Preston started this match in 6th spot, one place above City. None of the early exchanges suggested this was a Championship top 6 display, as the first half looked more playground kick and run. City looked the better side (slightly), but still persisted in hoofing the ball forward. McCormack limped off with what looked like a recurrence of his recent hamstring, and Chopra, who was ill yesterday came off the bench. Preston should have been down to 10 midway through the first period, after their 'keeper scuffed a clearance, fell over and Wayne Routledge had only to shoot into an empty net, but was hauled back by a defender. Referee Andy D'Urso saw fit only to issue a yellow. City went ahead just before the break as the excellent Routeldge delivered a pin point cross that Roger Johnson nodded home.Dave Jomes must have said something worthwhile at half time, as City looked a different class after the break. All players suddenly looked confident, and the passing became better and better. Parry who'd looked lacklustre, was beating his defender for fun, Bothroyd worked hard and won a penalty after charging into their box which Chopra converted easily. Routledge continued where he'd left off in the first half, and although Johnson got the MoM, I thought Routledge deserved it - he was outstanding. City then saw out the rest of the match pretty comfortably, moving up to 5th spot. Every player deserves praise for the way they went about their business today.
Up the City!
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