Preston North End and Hull City faced off at Deepdale on December 26, 2024, in a highly anticipated Championship matchup as both clubs looked to secure valuable points. The Lilywhites aimed to bounce back from a narrow defeat against Queens Park Rangers, where they were left reeling after conceding two goals late in the game.
With hopes of solidifying their position away from the relegation zone, Preston entered the clash sitting 18th on the league table with 23 points from 22 matches. Conversely, the away side, Hull City, languished at 21st position, having managed just 19 points. This match marked Hull's fourth under their new manager, Ruben Selles, who claimed his first victory last weekend against Swansea City. Both teams were aware of the importance of securing points as the season drew toward the halfway mark.
The home side's lineup featured Woodman; Storey, Whatmough, Hughes, Potts, Whiteman (captain), McCann, Kesler-Hayden, Frokjaer, Greenwood, and Osmajic, with notable absences including Liam Lindsay, suspended for this match after his red card against Queens Park Rangers, and Liam Millar, sidelined with a season-ending injury.
The match kicked off with both teams feeling the pressure. Preston’s midfield applied early pressure, testing Hull’s defense. Brad Potts, who was determined to alter the course of North End's form, opened the scoring with clinical precision, turning the ball in after 60 minutes to put his side one up. This marked the first meaningful highlight of the match and offered much-needed hope to the home fans.
Despite Hull City’s attempts to respond, which included strong efforts from their attack through players like Puerta and Burstow, they struggled to convert chances. Early on, Hull’s Drameh tested Preston's goalkeeper Woodman with crosses and shots but was met with stiff resistance. The tension at Deepdale was palpable as Preston defended their lead, with many chances going begging for the visitors throughout the match.
Hull, needing the points just as desperately as Preston, were guilty of poor finishing. Slater and Alzate found themselves often on the edge of brilliant attacking moments, only for their teammates to falter when it mattered most. Hull's manager Selles, who was visibly animated on the touchline, urged for more quality as his side pushed forward. “We need to finish our chances; they’ll win if we don’t,” he was seen communicating with his players during strategic timeouts.
Just before half-time, both teams saw penalty appeals gone unanswered; Preston's Kesler-Hayden felt aggrieved when his shout was turned down by the referee. The first half ended with the score still at 1-0, and both teams heading to the locker rooms with work to do. The overall impression was of two teams determined but frustrated.
Into the second half, the temperature of the match heightened as comments from fans echoed through Deepdale, constantly encouraging their side. North End continued to keep Hull at bay, and even with fresh substitutions from their manager, the Tigers struggled to find the net. Player movement was fluid, but many were left questioning Hull's decision-making and execution inside the box.
Preston maintained their composure, working the ball adeptly to keep Hull at arm's length. Woodman continued to prove himself instrumental, making key saves when called upon, particularly during moments when Hull seemed close to equalizing. His effort was celebrated by the home crowd, who recognized the importance of strong defensive work as Preston tried to shut down Hull’s opportunities.
Despite the early excitement of Potts’ goal, the match became increasingly stale as bothsides found themselves unable to convert possession or capitalize on one another’s mistakes. A series of missed opportunities characterized the last ten minutes of the game, as fatigue and tension settled over players and fans alike. Osmajic and Frokjaer, who had started brightly, couldn’t seem to break through Hull’s seemingly rejuvenated defensive tactics.
The match ended with Preston North End securing the win, lifting them to 25 points and offering them support as they aim to improve their standings on the table. For Hull City, this match served as a reminder of the steep road still facing them, remaining precariously positioned near the relegation zone.
Post-match reactions reflected the contrasting emotions of the two camps. Preston's supporters rejoiced, hopeful of what this win means for their squad moving forward, where Hull City faced yet another reality check. Hull City’s performance under Selles remains closely watched as they strive for improvement.
Both teams took their leave from Deepdale as the final whistle confirmed the scoreline. The match was not one for the history books visually, yet it was intensely competitive with stakes high for both teams battling to avoid relegation concerns. Moving forward, North End hopes to build momentum from this victory, ready to tackle their next opponents with renewed spirit as Hull City dig deep to find their footing as they attempt to remedy their season.
