Sydie Peck's hat-trick earned Sheffield United a 3-2 comeback victory at Preston North End on Tuesday night. The win, secured despite an early concession, moves the Blades to a record of two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five league games, leaving them 9th in the Championship standings. This recent form, which reads two wins, one draw and two losses, was built on a 1-0 win over Wrexham and a 1-1 draw with Derby, but also included a 3-2 loss at Portsmouth and a 3-0 win over Lincoln.
Preston started brightly and took the lead after just two minutes through Leo Leroy. Sheffield United responded through Peck, who levelled the scores in the 27th minute with an assist from Harrison Burrows. The midfielder then put his side ahead ten minutes later, finishing cleverly after a pass from Ben Brereton-Diaz. Peck completed his treble in first-half stoppage time, heading home from a Romelle Donovan cross to make it 3-1 at the break.
Callum Lang pulled a goal back for the hosts in the 76th minute, but United held on for a vital three points. The result follows a 1-0 home win over Wrexham and a 1-1 draw with Derby County.
Preston's defensive struggles
Preston's defence was repeatedly exposed, with several players singled out for errors leading to the goals. Goalkeeper Daniel Iversen was caught out on the first and second United strikes, while defender Odel Offiah gave the ball away cheaply for the second. Jordan Storey was substituted at half-time after being out of position for two of Peck's goals. The defeat extends Preston's poor run to just one win in their last six matches, a sequence that includes three defeats.
For Sheffield United, the attacking performance overshadowed some defensive concerns. The Blades have now scored eight goals in their last three matches, with top scorer Patrick Bamford having netted five times this season. They face a quick turnaround, travelling to face Charlton Athletic on Saturday, November 7th in their next fixture. The team will look to build on this result, which came after a 1-0 victory over Wrexham on October 30th where Ben Brereton was the sole goalscorer.
Sheffield United's next challenge is an away trip to The Valley.
First reported at Lancashire Evening Post
