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Tim Mercer’s PNE fans’ panel view: An afternoon that seems set to feature in future pub quizzes Tim Mercer’s thoughts after watching Preston North End reach round two of the Carabao Cup on Saturday. A number of oddities left me not quite knowing how to feel by the end of this win on a penalty shootout against League One opponents Huddersfield Town, writes TIM MERCER. For a start, this is the first time this fan can remember having to play a League Cup match before the season itself. Of more significance for the club and its history was that Preston North End - as the hosts - were playing at Goodison Park; the iconic home of fellow Football League founders Everton, due to our new pitch not being ready for a couple more weeks. Get yourself ready for future pub quizzes that ask when was the last date that a senior men’s professional match took place there, Everton having moved to their new stadium at the end of the season before last. Finally, spare a thought for former player Ryan Ledson. A Liverpudlian and Everton Academy player, who made just one appearance for the first team at Goodison in a Europa League match, was back as opposition captain at his spiritual home after having been a Preston player for seven seasons. He was given a mixed ‘return’; at times being booed and at others being lauded by loud singing of his ‘PNE song’. On top of this he took the Terriers’ first penalty in the shootout, only to see it saved by Daniel Iversen. As for the game, the opening 20 minutes were pretty even with nothing much to report. That was until captain Lewis Gibson gave a little tug on a Huddersfield player, who had spun past him to be through on goal. While the player seemed to go down easily, it gave the referee a decision to make and Gibson was immediately shown the red card. This led to the ‘hosts’ struggling for the rest of the half and it wasn’t at all surprising when they conceded a well-taken headed goal in the 38th minute. Subscribe now for HALF PRICE and catch every minute of our PNE coverage this season - from pre-season to the final whistle. Click here The whistle for the break could not come fast enough at that point. The expected regrouping for the second period was signalled by Liam Lindsay replacing Andrija Vukčević at the restart. The change in shape showed immediate effect with the Lilywhites able to get on the front foot, create some chances and reduce the Terriers’ forays into our half. Even so, the game was drifting towards a defeat until, three minutes into stoppage time, new signings - and substitutes - Delano Burgzorg and Jusef Erabi combined for a deserved equaliser. Burgzorg provided the assist and Erabi a neat finish to give some cheer to us all in the Gwladys Street End and a second chance to win via penalties. With Iverson saving the first two, including the Ledson one, it felt comfortable and was finished off by Burgzorg. A good end to a strange day.