Rob Edwards’ crucial Middlesbrough decision was ‘instrumental’ in Preston North End draw

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Middlesbrough drew 2-2 against Preston North End, with two Boro substitutes making a big difference at Deepdale.

Middlesbrough came back from behind to draw 2-2 at Preston North End on Saturday afternoon to end Rob Edwards’ side’s flawless start to the season.

Edwards won the Championship Manager of the Month award for August, but he could not mastermind a fifth league victory on the spin.

Lewis Dobbin put Preston in front on 22 minutes to send the Lilywhites ahead at half-time before Newcastle United loanee Matt Targett equalised after the interval.

Jordan Storey’s Preston strike seemed set to secure the three points before Sontje Hansen’s injury-time equaliser, and Edwards had two of his Boro substitutes to thank for the precious point.

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Sverre Nypan makes big difference for Middlesbrough vs Preston North End

Middlesbrough signed Sverre Nypan on loan from Manchester City in the summer window, and the Norwegian midfielder has already proven his credentials.

Edwards granted Nypan his first appearance in a Middlesbrough jersey at Deepdale, with the 18-year-old replacing Morgan Whittaker after 66 minutes.

Middlesbrough fans branded Whittaker as “lacklustre” for his performance at Preston, but Edwards’ solution in the form of the Man City loanee proved to be an inspired substitution.

With Preston ahead, Nypan made an instant impact on proceedings with some excellent work on the right flank, probing the Preston defence before entering the box and firing a dangerous low cross.

Following a scramble, Magpies loanee Targett scored courtesy of Nypan’s attacking impetus, before strikes from Storey and Hansen saw the spoils shared.

As well as Nypan, Hansen made an instant impact by scoring the equaliser just minutes after his introduction to continue the undefeated run for Middlesbrough, but Edwards singled out the City loanee for praise.

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Rob Edwards praises ‘instrumental’ Sverre Nypan for Preston North End display

Despite playing for less than half an hour, Nypan was pivotal to Boro’s improved second-half performance and to inspiring the stalemate.

The Man City loanee injected some much-needed dynamism into Middlesbrough’s attack after Whittaker’s less than impressive outing, and Edwards admitted after the game that Nypan was “instrumental” to the result.

After full-time, Edwards told Middlesbrough’s media on Nypan: “He was instrumental in that (first Middlesbrough goal), some great footwork and a brilliant bit of skill.

“It’s what people want to see, and it’s nice that it was in front of our supporters.

“That’s where we want them, that position, that’s what we ask of the boys to arrive in good numbers and then take the chance.”