Milutin Osmajic scored his first goal in English football as Championship leaders Preston came from a goal down to beat Birmingham 2-1.
Jay Stansfield’s strike in the opening minute of the second half threatened to end Preston’s unbeaten start to the season but the table-toppers were on level terms when Krystian Bielik headed into his own net in the 51st minute.
Preston then made it six wins from their opening seven games thanks to Osmajic’s composed close-range finish in the 67th minute.
After a tight and cagey first 25 minutes, the game was almost unlocked by the hosts when Duane Holmes played in Brad Potts inside the area with the goal at his mercy but he blazed over the crossbar from close range.
Birmingham had the lion’s share of possession throughout the first half-hour and mustered their first half-chance when Keshi Anderson ran on to the end of a long ball before he skied his effort into the Preston fans behind the goal.
The game’s first shot on target came when Liam Millar let fly from 25 yards but it went straight down the neck of John Ruddy.
The Blues went looking for an opener themselves but Koji Miyoshi’s drilled long-range effort was comfortably saved by Freddie Woodman to keep the game goalless heading into the break.
Birmingham broke the deadlock straight after half-time when Miyoshi slid Stansfield through on goal before he touched and lashed home to make it 1-0.
Preston were not behind for long, getting back on level terms just five minutes later after Alan Browne’s corner was turned in by Bielik into his own goal.
The second half of the contest was a much more entertaining affair and Birmingham almost regained their lead but Ivan Sunjic’s goal-bound effort was well saved by the diving Woodman.
Birmingham went in search of another goal to try and get back to winning ways but Anderson’s strike from outside the area was again stopped easily by Woodman.
The Lilywhites turned the game on its head midway through the second half, once again Browne was the creator who slipped Osmajic through before he coolly slotted under the legs of Ruddy to get his first goal for the club.
North End almost increased their advantage in the 85th minute when Holmes unleashed a dipping effort towards goal but it was tipped over the frame by Ruddy.
Birmingham’s own unbeaten start to the campaign was ended on the weekend at the hands of Watford and they had enough time to bounce back after nine minutes of added time was greeted with a huge roar from the travelling contingent.
The visitors sensed an opportunity when the ball fell for Gary Gardner who let rip from outside the area but the deflection fell nicely for the hosts who cleared and held on for three points once again.
[(Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.) Strength]: 1. Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. will be at home first in this tie. They hope to extend winning record, with full motivation.2. Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. beat Hapoel Jerusalem F.C. 2-1 in the last home game, making it three wins in a row.3. Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. defeated Hamrun Spartans F.C. 5-2 on aggregate in the last qualifying round and advanced.4. Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C....
[(Seattle Sounders FC) Strength]: 1. Seattle Sounders FC achieved 4 wins and 2 draws in the last 6 home games with good performances.2. In the previous group stage of the Leagues Cup, Seattle Sounders FC scored 11 goals in total. They are the top in Group B, with outstanding performances.3. Seattle Sounders FC conceded only 3 goals in the last 5 games with a good defense.4. Seattle Sounders FC los...
[(FC Midtjylland) Strength]: 1. In-form Dario Osorio scored and assisted in the last game. He may get more playing time in midweek's European game.2. FC Midtjylland scored at least 2 goals in all the last 4 games with a stunning offense.3. In the last UEFA Europa League qualifying round, FC Midtjylland defeated Eliteserien side Fredrikstad twice, with outstanding performances.4. FC Midtjylland bea...
[(KF Shkendija) Strength]: 1. KF Shkendija, playing at home in this game, need to go all out to gain the upper hand and are highly motivated.2. KF Shkendija won 3-1 away from home in the last league match, returning to the winning track and boosting their morale.3. KF Shkendija have performed well at home and have achieved three consecutive victories so far. They have only lost 2 of their last 20 ...
[(SC Internacional) Strength]: 1. SC Internacional lost 0-1 in the first leg and are currently 12th in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, performing poorly. They urgently need to prove themselves in the Copa Libertadores. This time playing at home, they will do their best to win and strive for advancement, so the team are motivated.[(SC Internacional) Weakness]: 1. SC Internacional goalkeeper Ivan...
[(Rosenborg) Strength]: 1. Rosenborg won two consecutive rounds in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers and advanced to the play-off stage. In the first leg against Bundesliga team 1.FSV Mainz 05, Rosenborg must capitalize on their home field advantage to secure a victory, laying a solid foundation for the second leg. So they are highly motivated.2. Rosenborg have remained unbeaten at home in the...
[(Esporte Clube Juventude) Strength]: 1. Esporte Clube Juventude are currently near the bottom of the table with 15 points, still 4 points away from the survival zone. They are in strong intention of picking up points.2. Esporte Clube Juventude won the last two consecutive games in AH with an improved trend.[(Esporte Clube Juventude) Neutral]: 1. Esporte Clube Juventude drew 2-2 away to Esporte Cl...
[(Estudiantes de La Plata) Strength]: 1. Santiago Ascacibar made 1 goal and 1 assist for the team in the last two games, being in good form.2. Estudiantes de La Plata kept unbeaten in the last 5 home games with 4 wins and 1 draw, being in great form.3. Estudiantes de La Plata have scored 12 goals since the group stage of Copa Libertadores. Their offensive performance in cup event is reliable.4. Es...
[(Fenerbahce S.K.) Strength]: 1. Fenerbahce S.K. have strengthened their squad by recruiting players during the off-season. Their goals for this season are to contend for the league title and qualify for the main tournament of the UEFA Champions League. Having eliminated the Eredivisie giants Feyenoord in the first round, the team must seize the home advantage in the first leg against SL Benfica, ...
[(Celtic F.C.) Strength]: 1. As a Scottish Premiership giant, Celtic F.C. have rich experience in European competitions and a high reputation. They have made a flying start to the season with three consecutive wins, and their morale is high. Facing the relatively weak FC Kairat Almaty, they hope to secure an easy victory with home advantage, lay the groundwork for the Play-off round, and smoothly ...
- 1 Brentford Agree Deal to Sign Dango Ouattara From Bournemouth
- 2 TIPS - Villarreal VS Real Oviedo
- 3 ngland cricket legend’s granddaughter stuns in bikini
- 4 Lamela explains retirement decision: It started 11 years ago...
- 5 Estevao Willian set for 'key' Chelsea role after debut vs Palace
- 6 TIPS - Club Necaxa VS Club Leon
- 7 BVB, Monaco and Ajax go for unwanted West Ham midfielder Alvarez
- 8 TIPS - Gwangju FC VS Daejeon Hana Citizen
- 9 Emotional Arne Slot admits he had wanted to bring late Diogo Jota on as a substitute in Liverpool's dramatic victory over Bournemouth
- 10 Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd-Arsenal showdown sets early stage for big-money No.9s to show the Premier League what they can offer