Preston North End 1 Stoke 0

Last updated : 30 August 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Preston's first win of the season watched by 12,965 was a hard-fought 1-0 victory over previously unbeaten Stoke City.

It was Preston's first win in seven games and Stoke's first defeat in seven games.

Jamaican international Claude Davis made an impressive home debut before going off with a groin injury.

The all-important goal came after 18 minutes when Preston midfielder Paul McKenna scored. It was a Richard Cresswell 15-yard right-foot shot from the left-hand side which was saved by ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Ed de Goey after Cresswell had beaten Wayne Thomas, but the rebound fell loose and Paul McKenna scored with a shot from 12 yards.

Stoke had Chris Greenacre booked for a foul on Brian O'Neil on the left byline after 20 minutes and three minutes later Marcus Hall was booked for a foul on McKenna on the right.

Preston also had Michael Keane booked after 24 minutes for not retreating ten yards and then Graham Alexander two minutes later for also doing the same.

Keane had to go off injured after half an hour and was replaced by Dickson Etuhu.

It was Etuhu who hit the crossbar with a downward header from six yards which bounced up after a Ricardo Fuller foot shot had been deflected by Marcus Hall and Etuhu had picked up the rebound.

The fourth official signalled two minutes extra but it was 1-0 to Preston at half time.

Davis had to go off with a groin injury after 49 minutes and Preston brought on Michael Jackson.

Chris Greenacre was replaced by Marc Goodfellow and in the 57th minute Fuller and Darel Russell were both booked by referee Mr Walton after having an altercation.

Lewis was booked for a foul on Russell and David Healy replaced Cresswell.

John Eustace and Paul Williams were also replaced by Chris Iwelumo and Lewis Neal.

Right at the end Healy was booked for timewasting and there were four minutes added.