PRESTON did no favours to Burnley's quest for First Division survival, crashing to four goal blitz by the Rams in the opening half.

A fifth followed in the second half courtesy of a Junior penalty, while Preston's consolation was also scored by the rampant Rams, with Youl Mawene heading past his own keeper on 55 minutes.

The performance in the first half and the overall result prompted an immediate apology from Preston boss Craig Brown, who has felt the brunt of

fans' anger at his side's remarkable dip in form since February.

"We did everything in a professional manner before the game but we didn't turn up in the first half and I can only apologise to the fans," he said.

"The first half was one of the worst performances from us this season.

"I feel embarrassed, all the players feel embarrassed and everyone associated with the club does as well."

Manuel Manel and Marcus Tudgay both scored twice, with the former hitting a six-yard strike past Jonathan Gould after just two minutes.

His 27th minute assist allowed Tudgay to make it two. Tudgay then got his second on 32 minutes when he combined well with Paul Peschisolido, before Manel got his brace with a rebounded Tom Huddleston shot.

Youl Mawene headed the ball into his own net for Preston's goal on 55 minutes, but Junior scored a penalty following a Michael Jackson handball

14 minutes from the end.

North End had sparked into life in the second half, with David Healy involved in goal-mouth action as he sought to make an immediate impact on

his return from suspension.

DERBY 5

PNE 1