STATISTICS can sometimes be misleading - but put into context they always tell a story.

Two goals in the last eight matches certainly tells a tale for Saints, a very frustrating one.

But put into context there have also been four clean sheets in that time which shows things are moving in the right direction.

Put into context again, only six teams in the Championship have conceded less than the 36 Saints have let in this season - and five of those occupy top six places.

But then only three teams in the Championship have scored less than 30 goals this season, the total Saints have managed, and one of those is second from bottom and the other fourth bottom.

It really paints a picture of a season that has felt at times like running into a brick wall, constantly shaking the foundations but never knocking it down.

George Burley's new look side are at least starting to dislodge a few slates, though progress is still slow going at the moment.

At least they are a good side to watch again. Don't let the lack of goals fool you, Burley has got some good players in, they will just take time to gel.

Burley is talking of next season being the one where things can happen and that's the way it has to be. There is no other option.

This season has gone and will be lower midtable obscurity for Saints.

Burley would not be doing his job if he wasn't looking to the next campaign.

If anybody needs convincing then look at the players he has brought in so far. Alright most of them aren't on permanent deals but if this is the sort of calibre of player that is going to be representing Saints from the start of next season, he has every right to be optimistic.

Burley has only signed three players permanently - and they look superb.

Goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski has been outstanding - and responsible for all those clean sheets, some four in six games.

Alexander Ostlund at right back has already earned the nickname 'Jesus' for his greasy long hair and beard and is obviously a class act. If he doesn't become a cult hero for his image and the incredible full throttle commitment with which he plays the game then I'll eat my hat.

Then there is Grzegorz Rasiak, the man with the goalscoring pressure placed on his shoulders.

Alright he hasn't scored in his two games so far but he looks like he will very soon, and they could come in floods.

For my evidence we again go back to the stats.

Saints had eight shots on target last night - five of them were from Rasiak.

He was shooting from all angles, and on another day they will start to fly in. Just the mere fact Saints have a serious goal threat, a man who works the keeper, is a massive positive and the goals will come for him.

Rasiak made Carlo Nash earn his money last night. There were a few decent saves but one which was truly outstanding.

With 26 minutes gone Peter Madsen beat Chris Lucketti all ends up and stood the ball up to the far post in the penalty area.

Rasiak stormed in and headed the ball goalwards. It looked a certain goal but somehow Nash got across and clawed the ball back and round the post.

Saints appealed it had crossed the line but it just looked a remarkable save.

Saints were dominant in the first half against a Preston side without a great deal of flair but who are hard to break down, hence their 25-game unbeaten record.

Andrew Surman also came close in the first period, again forcing Nash into a save, but the second half was more Preston's.

David Nugent, who missed a great chance for Preston on 15 minutes, was again guilty of a poor finish while Youl Mawene saw Bialkowksi and the post stop one effort while he wasted another opening, putting a free header wide from six yards.

Probably the most eye catching moment of the game was Richard Chaplow's second half volley from 20 yards that crashed against the inside of the post and came out.

Burley was right, on another day that would have gone in.

It feels a bit like we are already waiting for next season to begin to get the kind of excitement around the club that everybody wants.

But at least there is something to look forward to at the moment, some light at the end of what has been a very long and dark tunnel.