Preston North End 2-2 Middlesbrough: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Preston North End 2-2 Middlesbrough in the Championship on Saturday, 13 September 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Blimey, what a rollercoaster at Deepdale! Preston North End and Middlesbrough battled it out to a thrilling 2-2 draw, with both sides showing they've got the grit to fight till the end. Lewis Dobbin got the home fans roaring early on with a goal in the 22nd minute, but Middlesbrough clawed back with a late surge, thanks to Matt Targett and a dramatic injury-time equaliser from Sontje Hansen. Considering Preston's recent form, with a loss to Portsmouth but wins against Ipswich and Leicester, this result might sting a bit, but it's a testament to their resilience. On the other hand, Middlesbrough, riding high on a winning streak before this match, will feel they let two points slip but showed their mettle by snatching a draw from the jaws of defeat.

Jordan Storey was the hero for Preston, popping up with a crucial goal in the 88th minute to keep their hopes alive. His late strike was a real gut punch for Middlesbrough, who thought they had the game wrapped up. Despite the draw, Middlesbrough remain a force to be reckoned with, having won their last three matches before this one. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance and moments of vulnerability, making this a match that had fans on the edge of their seats right until the final whistle.

The stats paint a picture of a game where Middlesbrough had the upper hand in possession, holding 61% of the ball compared to Preston's 39%. Despite this, Preston managed to create more assists, with two to Middlesbrough's one, showing they made the most of their time on the ball. The corner count was close, with Middlesbrough edging it 4-3, but it was the injury-time goal from Middlesbrough that really turned heads. The yellow card count was higher for Middlesbrough, with three to Preston's one, suggesting they were a bit more on the edge throughout the match.

What's interesting is how Preston's lower possession didn't stop them from being effective. Their successful dribbles percentage was higher at 52% compared to Middlesbrough's 40%, indicating they were more direct and perhaps more dangerous when they had the ball. Overall, the stats suggest a game where Middlesbrough controlled the play but Preston capitalised on their opportunities, leading to a fair and exciting draw.

The match kicked off with a bang when Lewis Dobbin found the back of the net in the 22nd minute, giving Preston an early lead and setting the tone for an intense battle. The game saw its fair share of cards, with Andrew Hughes picking up a yellow for Preston in the 58th minute, while Middlesbrough's Morgan Whittaker and Alfie Jones were booked early on. Substitutions played a big role, with Preston making four changes throughout the match, including bringing on Michael Smith, Harrison Armstrong, and Mads Frøkjær-Jensen in the 62nd minute, trying to maintain their momentum.

The drama peaked in the final minutes when Jordan Storey scored a crucial equaliser for Preston in the 88th minute, only for Middlesbrough to respond with a last-gasp goal from Sontje Hansen in the 90+2nd minute. This injury-time strike was a real heartbreaker for Preston but showed Middlesbrough's never-say-die attitude. These key moments defined the match, with both teams fighting tooth and nail until the very end.

Preston North End lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Daniel Iversen in goal and a back three of Jordan Storey, Lewis Gibson, and Andrew Hughes. The midfield was packed with talent, featuring Pol Valentín, Alfie Devine, Ben Whiteman, Ali McCann, and Thierry Small, while Lewis Dobbin and Daniel Jebbison led the attack. The lineup was solid, but the real impact came from the bench, with four substitutions made throughout the game.

Jordan Storey's late goal was a highlight, showing his importance to the team not just defensively but also in attack. The substitutions of Michael Smith, Harrison Armstrong, and Mads Frøkjær-Jensen in the 62nd minute were crucial in maintaining Preston's energy and pushing for the equaliser. Overall, the lineup and the changes made by the manager showed a team that was well-prepared and adaptable.

Middlesbrough opted for a 3-4-3 formation, with Sol Brynn between the sticks and a back three of Luke Ayling, Darragh Lenihan, and Alfie Jones. The midfield was anchored by Callum Brittain, Aidan Morris, Hayden Hackney, and Matt Targett, while Morgan Whittaker, Tommy Conway, and Kaly Sène led the charge up front. The lineup was strong, but it was the substitutions that made a significant impact on the game.

Dávid Strelec and Sverre Halseth Nypan came on in the second half, adding fresh legs and new energy. The late substitutions of Alan Browne and Sontje Hansen in the 84th and 89th minutes, respectively, proved decisive, with Hansen scoring the equalier in injury time. Middlesbrough's lineup and tactical changes showed a team that was determined to fight until the very end.

Jordan Storey is Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match, and rightly so. His goal in the 88th minute was a moment of pure brilliance, keeping Preston's hopes alive and showing his versatility on the pitch. With one goal and one assist, Storey played a pivotal role in the match, proving that he's not just a defender but a key player in both boxes. His contribution was crucial in securing a point for Preston against a tough Middlesbrough side.

Recent Championship Matches:

• Draw: 2-2 vs Middlesbrough (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Portsmouth (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Ipswich Town (H)

• Win: 2-1 vs Leicester City (H)

Recent Championship Matches:

• Draw: 2-2 vs Preston North End (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Sheffield United (H)

• Win: 2-1 vs Norwich City (A)

• Win: 3-0 vs Millwall (A)

Sitting at 8th place with 8 points, Preston North End will be looking to build on this draw when they face Derby County, who are 19th with 5 points, on September 20, 2025 at 14:00. This result might give them the confidence to push harder in their next match, knowing they can compete with the best. They'll need to stay focused and capitalise on their chances to climb higher in the league standings.

At the top of the table with 13 points, Middlesbrough will take on West Bromwich Albion, who are 5th with 10 points, on September 19, 2025 at 19:00. Despite the draw, Middlesbrough's late equaliser will boost their morale, and they'll be eager to maintain their position at the summit. They'll need to keep their intensity high and continue their winning ways to stay ahead of the pack.

Championship Game Week 6, 25/26

• Middlesbrough Vs West Brom

• QPR Vs Stoke City

• Birmingham Vs Swansea

• Leicester City Vs Coventry

• Blackburn Rovers Vs Ipswich Town

• Derby County Vs Preston

• Hull City Vs Southampton

• Portsmouth Vs Sheffield Wednesday

• Sheffield United Vs Charlton

• Norwich City Vs Wrexham

• Bristol City Vs Oxford Utd

• Millwall Vs Watford

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