Sending off galvanises Preston to pull back Whitehill

Ten-man Preston Athletic secured a deserved Ferrari Packaging Lowland League point at the Pennypit last night after a 1-1 draw with Whitehill Welfare in horrible conditions.

Dale O’Hara almost gave Welfare the lead on his return to his old club, his shot from fully 30 yards crashing back off the crossbar. Greg Kerr looked poised to knock in the rebound, only to miss the ball completely.

They were ahead after 20 minutes. Stevie Manson’s shot was blocked with a hand by Jamie Todd in the box, and John Williams stepped up and put his penalty high into the top right-hand corner past Craig Pennycuick.

The wind died down somewhat in the second half, and Grant Carnie’s men should have doubled their advantage, only for Callum Connolly to se this header cleared off the line.

Andy Noble was then sent off for the Panners, receiving a second yellow for another scything tackle on Manson.

That galvanised the hosts, and Connor Brydon netted a fine equaliser with a left foot drive from the edge of the area. David Porcher could have won it late on, but Bryan Young stood up well to deny Preston all three points.