MCGEADY RUBS IT IN ON HIS RETURN
SUNDERLAND manager Simon Grayson defended Aiden McGeady’s celebration in front of the Preston fans as both men made their return to Deepdale with a frantic 2-2 draw.
McGeady scored the third goal in four frenetic second-half minutes to draw Sunderland level after Preston had come from behind to lead thanks to strikes from Josh Harrop and Jordan Hugill.
George Honeyman had given Sunderland the half-time lead, but McGeady’s decision to run the length of the field to celebrate in front of Preston fans who booed him was the hot topic post-match.
“He took the pressure off me to be fair so I’m quite happy with that,” Grayson said.
“You are allowed to run around any part of the field and celebrate how you want. I said to him he looked like Adebayor at City. He was unfairly taunted because he was exceptional last year.”
Sunderland are now winless in nine league games but Grayson, who left Deepdale to take over in the summer, was delighted with their response to Tuesday’s 5-2 defeat at Ipswich.
“I’m pleased with the response and what we did,” he said. “The big thing for us was that we looked a real decent team.
“Hugill scores a goal like he will never score in his career again – I can guarantee that because I’ve seen him for three years.
“We picked a team with experience. I’m pleased with lads who came into the team. We always said we’d give them an opportunity and they’ve responded out there.”
Sunderland had the better of the first half and were ahead on 28 minutes as James Vaughan’s back-heel put Honeyman clean through and he slotted home. That was only the second time Preston had conceded at home this season.
But the game came to life after the break. Preston, who are now unbeaten in eight league games, were level through Harrop, whose whipped free-kick flicked off a Sunderland head and into the corner.
Two minutes later they had the lead thanks to a stunning 18-yard volley from Hugill, whose dipping strike went in via the crossbar.
But despite Sunderland’s poor run of form, they responded instantly as McGeady burst forward and curled in a low shot, left-footed from 20 yards, before commencing his celebration.
Alan Browne almost gave Preston the lead within seconds of the restart but was denied by the post.
Preston boss Alex Neil felt the point was a fair result and was unconcerned with McGeady’s celebration.
“I was too disappointed with conceding to notice Aiden’s celebration,” Neil said.
“I saw him run somewhere. In football emotions run high, we were delighted when we scored. I don’t make too much of it.
“There were some harsh words at half-time. I thought first half we played pretty football and they played effective football.
“We scored two fantastic goals. The disappointing thing for us is that having taken the lead, if we see it out for five or ten minutes, we probably go on and win the game.
“We got ourselves in the lead so naturally I’m disappointed we didn’t win, but on the balance of the game was it a fair point? Probably.
“But it’s a good start for us. I’d say we’re content, I wouldn’t say I’m delighted with it.”