Don’t leave us, Tammy
a Premier League return if they are suddenly deprived of the 21-year-old’s finishing powers.
A timely header on the stroke of half-time – his
14th Championship goal of a prolific season – appeared to take Villa another big step towards the promotion shake-up.
But stripped through injury of some key players Preston weren’t prepared to hoist the white flag of surrender.
Deepdale boss Neil revealed: “That was probably as proud that I have been since I have come here considering everything.”
In fact, Preston could have scored twice inside the first couple of minutes with Jordan Storey taking advantage of Orjan Nyland flapping at a Paul Gallagher corner only to crash his close-range drive against the bar, while Tom Barkhuizen lobbed wide.
Nyland atoned for his earlier error with a stunning 32nd-minute save, turning a fierce volley from Graham Burke, superbly crafted by a Daniel
Johnson through ball, around the post.
And it was cruel on Neil’s side when Villa snatched the lead just before the break.
It couldn’t have been any easier for Abraham, who was given too much time to bury a header from inside the six-yard box from Glenn Whelan’s corner.
It’s now 10 goals in the last nine games but Preston weren’t to be denied with Johnson wriggling into the penalty area and seeing his low cross deflected into the net by the combination of Villa’s Elmohamady and 20-year-old Nmecha.