REVENGE tastes best served cold - so how nice does a win over the team who drubbed North End 5-0 in August sound?

Gillingham make the long trip up the M6 to Deepdale tomorrow knowing that there is more than just points at stake - there is a good degree of pride as well.

Since the opening day shocker, North End fans have lived through just about every emotion possible.

Despair as the team struggled to get points early on, relief when they did, delight when victories against the likes of Manchester City and frustration as the team struggled to get a second decent run of results together.

After an indifferent Christmas, North End had an enforced winter break to start 2002, and it seems to have done them the power of good.

A win in the league against Walsall and against Brighton in the Cup has provided the team with the best possible build-up to tomorrow's game.

And Manager David Moyes knows that only too well: "It's been a good start to the year.

"We had a little break similar to last year, which has given us a bit of freshness and as well as that we've added a couple of new faces to the team."

The last two results have been particularly impressive given North End's number of injuries.

Moyes said: "We had the injuries, and this has given us a chance to try some of the younger players.

"They have less experience, but they are full of enthusiasm and a desire to do well.

"They want to show the supporters they should have a place in the team and that is good for us."

Injury-wise this weekend, Sean Gregan and Lee Cartwright have returned to training and could be contention for a place tomorrow.

But Richard Cresswell, Kevin Gallacher, Mark Rankine and Michael Jackson are all confirmed absentees.

However, the fact Jon Macken and Steve Basham have both bagged goals recently will take pressure off Richard Cresswell as he struggles to get fit again.

And Tepi Moilanenen suffered another injury in the reserves this week.

But if North End do have a bogey team, then it is probably Gillingham.

The Gills are the team who knocked North End out of the play-off race to Division One two seasons ago. They were then defeated by Manchester City.

They are currently 13th in the league and, despite being tipped to go down last season, managed to grab a creditable draw against North End last season.

Their injury situation currently rivals North End, with several long term casualties.

A win tomorrow would not move North End up a place from their current 9th berth.

It would however, help them close in on the promotion pack and could create space between them and the other mid-table operators.