This article is part of Football League World's 'Regular Punter' series, where we gather original opinions from select, passionate fans of the clubs concerned on matters surrounding their team and share them with a wider audience…

Preston North End were given a huge reality check on Wednesday evening, as they were thrashed 4-0 by Hull City at the KCOM Stadium to dent their promotion bid.

The result leaves Alex Neil's side () in the Championship table, and they'll be hoping they can get back to winning ways at the earliest of opportunities.

Football League World's Preston fan pundit Emily Cardwell issued her thoughts on the defeat to the Tigers, and criticised the Lilywhites for their lack of enthusiasm and willingness to get back into the game when a goal down.

"Due to injury and suspension, key players were missing from the side. Neil was forced to make three changes to his starting XI. Forcing a young Jordan Storey to replace Bed Davies, and a central defensive midfielder, Ryan Ledson, to be played out of position as a right back.

"Preston showed a lack of enthusiasm and willingness to turn things around after going a goal behind. There inability to convert chances into goals cost them the game, and placed them on the back foot. Hull's clinical finishing from their on form striker Jarrod Bowen won them the three points and made Preston look a dysfunctional team."

The regular punter went on to admit that one Preston player in particular struggled in the defeat to Grant McCann's side, but wasn't impressed with the overall team performance.

"Ryan Ledson playing in the right back position, was up against two experienced and skilful wingers, who showed pace and quality when with the ball. Ledson having no prior experience in this position looked lost, and led to rash challenges, forcing a foul and giving Hull a penalty early in the second half.

"The timing of this goal took any chance Preston had of coming back away. The front three consisting of, Sean Maguire, Tom Barkuizen and Billy Bodin, looked unfamiliar and lacked in ability which they have previously shown.

"Finally, Paul Gallagher and Daniel Johnson struggled settling into the game from the get go. They both played many way-ward passes and lacked quality in the final third."

Preston's away from will be a real concern for the club's supporters heading into the potentially season-defining festive period, with the Lilywhites having just two wins to their name on their travels.

Cardwell labelled that statistic as 'far from good enough' and outlined where she thinks her side are going wrong away from the KCOM Stadium.

"Yes currently Preston's away form is far from good enough. Having only won 2 games away from home this season, has meant Preston has dropped vital points, which come the end of the season will be needed to compete for the top 6 positions.

"Preston's inability to get results away from home, is down to the lack of goals being scored, having only scored 6 away goals all season, compared to the home form where they show no problem with getting the ball in the back of net, with over 25 goals and an unbeaten form."

Test your knowledge in our Preston quiz below! 

Preston are next in action this weekend, when they take on league leaders West Brom at Deepdale, in what is certain to be one of their toughest tests of the season to date.