'Nothing ball' - Sheffield United comeback win frustrates Preston North End manager Graham Alexander
Alexander refers to Sydie Peck’s first goal as a ‘nothing ball’
Preston North End manager Graham Alexander has had his say on their defeat to Sheffield United after ‘nothing ball’ ignited Blades’ comeback.
United conceded in the opening minutes after a quick counterattack saw Leo Leroy score from the first chance of the game.
After the Blades dominated possession, they were rewarded with a fortunate goal after Sydie Peck’s intended cross floated over everyone and bounced into the back of the net.
At full-time, Alexander told BBC Radio Lancashire: "Great start, really good goal, had moments after that where we need to have more composure or quality, but when you concede a goal from absolutely nothing.
“Just a nothing ball into our box, we can't win the duel and make the header. Open wounds really, for the next 20 minutes.”
It took Sydie Peck just over 20 minutes to complete his first career hat-trick after scoring his first goal in the 27th minute.
“To get in at half-time 3-1 down after starting so well was a big blow.”
“We had it in the first 20 minutes. We conceded a goal, and then, I don’t think it’s an intentional drop of effort; I think it’s just a human-nature thing in that we maybe feel a bit sorry for ourselves a little bit and maybe lose a bit of confidence in that first step back.”
Preston found themselves under constant pressure after Peck’s first goal, and were ultimately suffocated by United’s attack.
“I think after the first goal, we're from me to you away from challenges. The whole game is in the final yard, and we have to get in that final yard as often as possible and be connected.
“When you're like that, as you saw in the second half, as you saw against West Brom, then we're a competitive team. The calibre of the opponents we've played- West Brom, Stoke, Sheffield United tonight are all at the top end of the division, but we've had spells where we can compete, but ultimately, we've not been winning the games. What we have to do is get back to winning games.”
The win has clinched the Blades’ a consecutive victory for the first time this season.