A controversial handball goal by Yu Hirakawa proved to be the catalyst for Bristol City’s 3-1 victory over Preston in the Sky Bet Championship. The 23-year-old’s audacious hand-ball in the sixth minute sent the ball past Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman and into the back of the net, giving the visitors an early lead.
Despite conceding eight goals in their last three matches, Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom would have been disappointed with his team’s defending, particularly with Liam Lindsay and Woodman failing to clear Jordan Storey’s back header, allowing Hirakawa to capitalize on the defensive lapse.
The lead, however, didn’t last long. Sam Greenwood, who has been a scoring threat for the Lilywhites, scored his third goal in three league matches in the 48th minute, levelling the score with a powerful free-kick that left Max O’Leary with no chance.
Just four minutes later, Bristol City reasserted their dominance. Nahki Wells, who had been a constant menace to the Preston defense, found himself unmarked in the center of the box. He expertly headed the ball into the far corner, securing his fourth goal of the season and putting Bristol City back in front.
Preston pressed for an equalizer, but Bristol City’s defense remained resolute. The Robins’ defensive resilience was highlighted by Haydon Roberts’s crucial clearance late in the first half, preventing Mads Frokjaer from capitalizing on a dangerous cross from Greenwood.
The game was put beyond doubt in the 82nd minute when Bird, who had missed a good opportunity earlier in the match, expertly finished a move started by Hirakawa. Bird’s powerful strike into the far corner sealed a deserved victory for Bristol City, handing Heckingbottom his first league defeat at Deepdale since taking over as manager.
The win for Bristol City was a testament to their resilience and efficiency. They scored three goals from just three shots on target, highlighting their clinical finishing. Preston, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their defensive lapses and failure to capitalize on their second-half dominance.
