Deserved loss sends bragging rights back down the A59 to Blackburn

I went into this game with not only the optimism of a decent start to the season, but also with the knowledge that our revamped squad has gone up a notch since we last faced our old foe from just a few miles down the road.

- writes TIM MERCER

Added to this was the struggles Blackburn had had in the summer with their own recruitment and subsequent poor start, albeit tempered by recent good form away from Ewood Park.

By the finish, this fan was trudging off a cold Deepdale feeling more dejected than for many a long while; especially due to the shambolic second-half performance that is easily the worst I've seen this season.

And yes it could have been so different following a good start that saw North End on the front foot, taking the game to Rovers.