Bristol City and Preston North End played to a 2-2 draw on May 3, 2025, in their final English Championship fixture of the 2024-2025 season. This result reflected the contrasting fortunes of both clubs in the standings, with Bristol City securing a playoff position while Preston narrowly avoided relegation.
The match capped off a season where both teams finished at opposite ends of the Championship table.
Final Championship standings
Bristol City finished the 2024-2025 Championship season in sixth place with 68 points from 46 matches. This impressive position secured them the final playoff spot, giving the Robins a chance to fig ht for promotion to the Premier League. Preston North End, meanwhile, ended the campaign in 20th place with 50 points, just managing to maintain their Championship status after a difficult season.
The 18-point gap between the two sides in the final standings highlights the different trajectories these historic clubs experienced throughout the campaign. Bristol City’s consistent performances throughout the season paid dividends, while Preston’s struggle for form left them battling at the wrong end of the table for much of the year.
Bristol City’s successful campaign
Bristol City’s sixth-place finish represents a significant achievement for the club. With 17 wins, 17 draws, and only 12 losses across their 46 matches, the Robins demonstrated remarkable consistency. Their attacking prowess was evident in the 59 goals they scored, while their defensive solidity limited opponents to 55 goals against them.
The balanced nature of Bristol City’s record—equal numbers of wins and draws—suggests a team that was difficult to beat but sometimes struggled to convert single points into three. Nevertheless, their ability to avoid defeats proved crucial in securing their playoff position. The team’s positive goal difference of +4 further underlines their competitive edge over many Championship rivals.
Preston North End’s survival story
Preston North End’s 20th-place finish tells the story of a challenging season for the Lilywhites. With just 10 wins, 20 draws, and 16 losses, Preston struggled to find the winning formula throughout the campaign. Their total of 48 goals scored was among the lowest in the division, while the 59 goals they conceded highlighted defensive vulnerabilities.
Preston’s high number of draws—20 in total—proved to be tehir salvation. These single points accumulated throughout the season ultimately provided the buffer needed to stay above the relegation zone. Their negative goal difference of -11 reflects the difficulties they faced, but the team showed enough resilience to secure their Championship status for another season.
Head-to-head comparison
The 2-2 draw between Bristol City and Preston North End on May 3, 2025, encapsulated the competitive nature of the Championship. Despite the significant gap in the standings, Preston managed to hold their higher-placed opponents to a draw, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of England’s second tier.
The statistics from the season highlight the differences between the two sides, Bristol City’s 17 wins compared to Preston’s 10 illustrates the gap in quality, while Preston’s 20 draws versus Bristol City’s 17 shows how the Lancashire club often came close but couldn’t secure maximum points. The defensive records also tell a story, with Bristol City conceding 55 goals compared to Preston’s 59, a relatively small difference that suggests margins at this level can be fine despite the gap in the standings.