Rampant City rediscovered their attacking prowess as they powered to their first win at Ashton Gate in nearly three months. Not since Plymouth slipped to a 3-1 defeat in BS3 on October 20 had City fans seen their side prevail on home soil. But that all changed as Gary Johnson's revamped team registered their biggest victory of the season to narrow the gap between themselves and the Coca-Cola Championship play-off positions. Danny Haynes gave the Robins the perfect start, bundling in Paul Hartley's free kick in the second minute and centre-back Liam Fontaine added a second on 10 minutes later following another set-piece involving Jamie McAllister and the influential Hartley. Jon Parkin pulled a goal back for Preston on 27 minutes, but Louis Carey settled any nerves when heading in another Hartley free kick 11 minutes into the second half. City's substitutes combined to add a fourth two minutes from time, David Clarkson and Alvaro Saborio setting-up Dutch midfielder Evander Sno, whose beautifully-struck shot from 20 yards went in off the inside of the post. There was still time for Ross Wallace to reply, beating City keeper Dean Gerken direct from a long-range free kick, but Preston were already well beaten.
Bristol Evening Post
Darren Ferguson's first game in charge of Preston North End ended in defeat at Bristol City.
Three of the Robins' four goals were set-up by free-kicks, an area of PNE's defensive play which the new manager must quickly improve. North End found themselves 2-0 down inside 12 minutes through goals by Danny Haynes and Liam Fontaine. Chris Brown halved the deficit after 27 minutes as the visitors produced some impressive attacking play. And there were plenty of other opportunites for them to have gone in level at the interval level. But in the second half, PNE didn't function as well going forward, the hosts having far the better of the play. City skipper Louis Carey looped home a header for the third goal, substitute Evander Sno drilling home a fine fourth in the 90th minute. Deep into stoppage time, Ross Wallace curled home a free-kick to give the scoreline slightly more respectability.
Lancashire Evening Post
This was the day Darren Ferguson should have heralded a new era for Preston North End in his first match as the club's new manager. Everything seemed in his favour. His dad Sir Alex even let him take his squad to the United training ground at Carrington to escape the snow and ice on three occasions. Ferguson junior worked hard on honing his side for their first big test - yet it was in vain. City, a side equally in need of points, chose the match to produce some of their best football of the season and score four goals for the first time.
News of the World
The next time Darren Ferguson leans on his dad to use Manchester United's training ground, he should ask for some defending tips. Sir Alex opened Manchester United's Carrington facilities to his son's new charges Preston during the recent freeze. But Ferguson junior's first game in charge of North End saw them defend with all the mobility of snowmen, although he refused to use his dad's hairdryer to melt his sloppy side. Bristol City's first three goals came from set pieces, as Gary Johnson's men notched only their second win in 12 league and cup games. If Ferguson was angry, he kept it in check, preferring to describe his first game as "very disappointing." He added: "We prepared well and knew Bristol City are strong at set pieces. But when you go two down in 12 minutes it's hard to recover."
People
This was no way for Darren Ferguson to mark his arrival as Preston's new manager. Bristol's first-half goals both came from free-kicks by Paul Hartley. Danny Haynes netted from the first and Liam Fontaine, up with the forwards, snatched the second after a goalmouth skirmish and a succession of half clearances.
Mail on Sunday
Preston's new boss Darren Ferguson is disappointed his team were slow out of the blocks following their 4-2 defeat at Bristol City. The Lilywhites found themselves two-down within 12 minutes and three of the goals they conceded at Ashton Gate came from set-pieces. Danny Haynes and Liam Fontaine found the back of the net before the visitors were able to draw breath and while Chris Brown pulled one back, Louis Carey restored City's two-goal advantage. Evander Sno made it four in injury-time, although Preston did have the final say when Ross Wallace netted a consolation with virtually the last kick of the game. "I told the players beforehand that the opening minutes were going to be vital because both sides were a bit low on confidence," explained Ferguson.
Sky Sports
Gavin Williams faces his beloved Bluebirds this week hoping his luck will turn full circle - and signal the return of his Wales dream. Bristol City's Merthyr-born midfielder has seen injuries ruin chances of adding to his two international caps on several occasions during John Toshack's reign. And after his form midway through last season earned him a recall to the Wales fold, a calf problem picked up playing against boyhood team Cardiff put his comeback on hold once more. The 29-year-old has struggled for game time at Ashton Gate ever since - but now hopes his FA Cup corker last week that set up Tuesday's replay could signal a turnaround in fortune. "It was an important goal for the team and an important goal for me because it's been a frustrating time personally," said the former Yeovil, West Ham and Ipswich livewire.
Wales Online
Nick Carle is to get his wish with a loan move away from Crystal Palace being approved by chairman Simon Jordan. The Eagles will pocket a loan fee for the Australia midfielder after agreeing a deal with a mystery club in Asia. The former Bristol City midfielder has made only eight appearances for Palace this term - coming on as a late substitute in all but one of them.
News of the World
