Preston defeated Barnsley 3-0 to move into the final playoff position, with Darnell Fisher emerging as the best player of the game and the best player of this round of Championship fixtures.
He provided a real attacking threat down the right wing, continually overlapping his team-mates, and it was via a run through and in behind the Barnsley defence which allowed him to flash a cross into the box to assist the opening goal.
Fisher was solid defensively, too, however, as he won 5/6 duels and won 100% of his tackles, while also making a superb seven ball recoveries, seven clearances, and seven interceptions.
Staying with Preston, and Tom Barkhuizen was the beneficiary of Fisher’s good work for the first goal, with him positioned perfectly inside the box to send a smart finish home to make it 1-0.
He would go on to score again, the third goal of the match, after taking advantage of some calamitous Barnsley defending to steal possession on the edge of the box to run through and squeeze a finish under the oncoming goalkeeper.
Barkhuizen contributed in other areas, too, making seven ball recoveries and enjoying six touches inside the opposition penalty area.
Charlton halted Fulham’s mini winning run of two games by holding the Cottagers to a 0-0 draw at the Valley, with goalkeeper Dillon Phillips excelling at the back to earn the hosts the point.
He made four saves in total to deny Fulham a goal, but also won 100% of his duels and made an impressive six ball recoveries to take the pressure off his defence as the visitors probed for the opener.
ROUND TO FORGET
New Preston signing Scott Sinclair (5.3) didn’t have the best second game for his new club after debuting at the weekend. Before being subbed off, he completed just five passes, had one shot on goal, and lost 6/8 duels.
