North End's record in the Carling Cup in recent memory is not a source of pride with defeats in the first two rounds as far as we have got in the last five seasons.
Our first round visitors Morecambe provide a reminder of this record this week because they pulled off a 2-1 shock win at Deepdale in the 2007/08 season at the same stage. For the current squad then, tomorrow's match offers PNE the chance to exert a bit of revenge in what is sure to be an exciting Lancashire derby.
Preston North End v Morecambe
Carling Cup First Round
Tuesday 11th August 2009, kick-off 7.45pm
Deepdale
Gaffer's Team News
"There are giant-killing in every round of the cup competition and we have to be very respectful to Morecambe because they're a good side and they pass the ball extremely well, there's a lot of movement in the team from players who will be a real threat to us.
"We do have a strong sqiad and I'm delighted with that because we've got players who can quite easily step in, we've lost four players because of international call-ups (Nolan, St. Ledger, Davidson and Shumilikoski) and that's fantastic for them and the club in one way. But a lot of people will have the chance to impress for the next game.
"Everyone seems to be okay, I'm expecting everybody to train today and I'm delighted about that because once again that means there's competition for places."
The Opposition
At Christie Park on Saturday the opening game for Morecambe saw the same result as the one at Deepdale but the hosts achieved their point in different circumstances, and will feel aggrieved not to have secured all three points against Hereford Utd.
Stuart Drummond and Craig Stanley turned a one goal deficit round but with seconds remaining on the clock Marc Pugh equalised probably at a similar time to Callum Davidson's last-gasp leveller for North End.
The win followed the signing of former Oldham and St Mirren defender Will Haining on Friday with manager Sammy McIlroy hailing Haining, saying: "Will has played at a high leveland he will be another major boost to the squad this season."
Manager's View
"I'd like to think we could challenge for the Play-Offs but the division will be a lot harder this time. We've seen what Notts County have done with the appointment of Sven-Goran Eriksson and I expect them to spend big, while other clubs who have a far bigger budget than we have will be able to attract more players.
"But Morecambe can still be a force in this division, as we showed last season. We had a fantastic run in the last three months, losing just three times in 20 starts and that is very encouraging. We have to build on that and I think we can."
Manager Sammy McIlroy talking to the Lancashire Evening Post prior to Saturday's game
Head-To-Head
PNE's All-time Record v Morecambe: W 0 D 0 L 1
Last Meeting
Preston North End 1 Morecambe 2
Pugh 73; Bentley 6, Artell 84
Carling Cup First Round
14th August 2007
Deepdale
PNEBetting.com Odds
PNE - 4/9 Draw - 10/3 Morecambe - 6/1
All odds are courtesy of pnebetting.com - PNE's official online bookmaker
PNEBetting.com's Selected Bet
Chris Brown to score first in a 2-1 victory - 30/1
All odds are courtesy of pnebetting.com - PNE's official online bookmaker
Kit
PNE are in their usual home kit with Morecambe in their traditional home colours of red shirt and white shorts.
PNE Player
Saturday saw the start of our new link-up with Central Radio, with a new one hour show before and the phone-in after. The show tomorrow will have a special guest sitting in the commentator's chair. Lilywhites Live will end at 10pm however it will cover every kick of the ball beyond that time in the event of extra time and penalties. Please note there will be no phone-in after the game.
The One And Only
The new programme drew plaudits from many on Saturday and the Morecambe edition will be no different featuring exclusive interviews with former favourite Eric Skora and the new Morecambe head physio, and PNE goalie from the early nineties, Simon Farnworth. Don't forget to get your copy from around the ground tomorrow night.
Any Final Thoughts?
The Carling Cup first round clash will be the first that will feature the two entertainment extravaganzas we will be running at Deepdale this season. Before the match we'll be doing 'Wave It To Win It', first premiered at the Stoke friendly, where fans with programmes get the chance to win a special North End-related prize. Then at half-time it's the second edition of Golden Balls where up to thirty pounds of shop vouchers can be won by kicking and quizzing on the PNE pitch. Click here to read more about golden balls.
