Michael Carrick got off to a losing start as Preston produced one of the narrow football results of the weekend in the Championship. Chuba Akpom’s goal for Boro after eight minutes gave former Manchester United interim manager Carrick, who was named head coach on Teesside on Monday, a bright start to his term. Ten minutes before halftime, though, Emil Riis slammed home his fifth goal of the season to tie the score. Storey then snuck in to head home in the first of three added minutes, giving Preston their second home victory of the season and increasing their goal total in nine games at Deepdale under Ryan Lowe. Only on goals scored is Middlesbrough still above Coventry in the relegation zone.
A more promising start to the game could not have been had by Carrick’s team. Storey made a brave effort to stop Akpom from scoring, but from the ensuing corner, the striker dove to score his fifth goal of the year. With the exception of a touch from Darragh Lenihan, Ryan Giles was allowed to swing in the corner kick and go unimpeded across the goal’s face. Akpom made his way to the back post for the game-winning touch, adding to the joy among the jubilant away fans.
After the restart, Muniz nearly scored with a deflected attempt and a header over the top. Following Preston’s poor turnover of the ball, Akpom smashed off-target. However, Boro continued to lose ground, as Preston scored a late goal to ruin Carrick’s management debut with Boro after Woodburn had a 12-yard shot blocked and Alan Browne had a goal disallowed for offside against Riis. A free kick he had won was sent to the back post by substitute Ryan Ledson. A header to the back post from Lindsay, who had risen to the top, allowed Storey to bundle in and start a raucous celebration at home. This was Lindsay’s second assist of the game.
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