Gregory to look elsewhere for goals
CRAWLEY Town manager John Gregory says he may have to look into the loan market to boost his side’s failing attack after they again drew a blank in front of goal.
Town have only scored four goals in their opening nine league games.
And goals from Bailey Wright and Joe Garner consigned them to defeat at Deepdale in what was a lively and entertaining contest.
However, Gregory insisted he is not afraid to bring in fresh blood to shake up their attack, suggesting his side rely on striker Izale McLeod too much when it matters.
“It’s a personnel issue; I possibly haven’t got the right people here,” Gregory said.
“We’ve got people coming back up to match fitness after injuries, but we had a lot of pressure throughout most of the game, so to not score is disappointing for me.
“We rely on Izale too much, so it’s time to have a good look at it and maybe bring someone in from outside.
“We’ll look at the loan market and see if we can find someone who will make a difference to our attacking play.
“The problem we have is scoring goals, and making things happen in the offensive half of the pitch.
“That’s where we weren’t at our best and our game needs to improve in that part of the field.”
Preston had the better of the chances in front of
goal throughout, and they were rewarded for a bright start when Wright slotted home from inside the box after a great assist from Josh Brownhill.
Crawley almost provided an immediate response as Dean Leacock hit the bar with a header.
But that was about as much as Gregory’s men could muster.
And, 20 minutes into the second half the points were sewn up, as Garner slotted home from the penalty spot after Mat Sadler had handled inside the box.
Despite some more pressure from the hosts, it finished 2-0, and North End boss Simon Grayson was simply pleased to get a win – their first in four league games.
“It’s nicely rounded off what has been a difficult week, given how we lost last weekend and then threw away a lead to draw on Tuesday night,” Grayson said.
“We knew the players had to put in a performance and respond, and we had to be brave, get on the ball and make things happen.
“I’m very satisfied that we’ve got a clean sheet, two goals and three points – overall it was a very good performance.
“We waited for opportunities and were very patient, which was good to see.
“The lads have responded in a very positive manner, which I’m very pleased with overall.”