Max O'Leary - 7
Alert to the danger in the first half when he came off his line to snuff out Maguire's chance. Brilliant save just after City's opener to deny Riis' effort with a strong right hand. Had no chance with the equaliser.
Zak Vyner - 6
Loose in possession in the first half with a number of wayward passes. Looked a little nervy early on but grew into the contest and looked a lot more assured in the second half.
Timm Klose - 6
Was faultless until he gave away a silly free-kick that led to Preston's equaliser. Overall, he added a calming presence to the defence but he'll be frustrated. Will be relieved with Atkinson's winner.
Rob Atkinson - 9
The man of the moment. Two brilliant headers and two goals to give City their first win in six games. Comfortable from a defensive perspective.
Mark Sykes (off 90, Martin) - 7
Got into some really good crossing positions but his final ball let him down in the first half - that was until he played a pinpoint delivery for Atkinson to grab his first assist of the season.
Preston seemed happy to allow him to bomb forward and wasn't really troubled defensively. Justified keeping his place in the team.
Jay Dasilva - 7
Unfairly booked for a hard but fair tackle on Ali McCann in the first half. Managed to get forward and get his deliveries into the box but unable to beat his man. Came close to opening the scoring after generating a yard of space for himself in the area.
Joe Williams - 7
A typical industrial performance by Williams in the middle. Combative with his tackles and made a nuisance of himself although could have been better in possession. Gave his all and didn't shy away from the play.
Alex Scott - 7
Showed touches of class, including majestically plucking a ball out of the air. Frustrated with one delivery in a great position on the edge of the box. Made up for it at the death with a superb corner which Atkinson gratefully headed home.
Andi Weimann - 6
Made some really good runs from deep into the box but City couldn't capitalise. Didn't click for him this evening but tonight's captain was full of running without
Antoine Semenyo - 7
Trickery proved problematic in the Preston defence in the opening 45 minutes but without threatening the visitor's goal. First real opportunity came on 50 minutes when his left-footed effort flashed past the post before hammering a left-footed effort over the bar.
Preston's defence looked terrified of his ability at times and certainly City's brightest spark.
Tommy Conway (off 85, Wells) - 6
Didn't get himself into the game much in the first half but did have a glimmer of goal which was comfortably saved by keeper Freddie Woodman. Similar performance in the second half but didn't stop running. Looked tired in the final 20 minutes.
Substitutes
Nahki Wells (on 85, Conway) -N/A
Chris Martin (on 90, Sykes) - N/A
Subs not used: Bentley, King, Pring, Tanner, Kadji
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