MAKE no mistake, Preston are making it hard for themselves. What on paper seems a relatively straightforward task is becoming more complicated by the week.

On Saturday, in the desolate setting of Lancaster St Martins sports complex, a rugged and uncomprising Morecambe side tugged back strongly the reins of Preston's championship juggernaut.

Thankfully, "boy wonder", 14-year-old Adam Wilson turned the game around in just five spell-binding minutes.

Preston had trailed to an early goal and laboured against a sea of Morecambe shirts, who quite literally in some cases, put their bodies on the line to preserve their league status.

It could all have been very different had Preston capitalised on their early period of dominance, where they won five short corners and forced the home goalkeeper into two wonderful saves.

But the self-confidence deserted them, indecision crept in as Morecambe's swift counter-attacks began to stretch an under protected defence.

It came as no surprise when Morecambe took the lead with a well worked move that dissected the visitors defence before leaving an unmarked forward with the simple task of rolling the ball into an empty net.

Preston were then stung into action but the openings in the home defence.

By foul or fair Preston's attacks were broken down by a flurry of sticks and bodies as time after time Morecambe soaked up the league leader's incessant pressure.

Cue Wilson's arrival on the pitch. Despite his unassuming demeanour, the skilful youngster changed the tempo of Preston's attacks with his unorthodox dribbling style.

And he soon vindicated Colin Sinclair's decision to replace him for his older brother. Latching onto a searching through ball by Jim Blackburn, Wilson deceived the last defender before sidestepping the oncoming goalkeeper and hitting a powerful reverse stick shot goal bound that was deflected into the path of Phil Bowman who forced the ball over the line.

Preston went in search of the winner and it was Sam Sinlcair who conjured a penalty stroke out of nothing when he was recklessly challenged going for goal. He slotted the penalty high into the goal.

Preston face another side battling against relegation on Saturday in the shape of Knutsford, who were stylishly blown away 6-1 earlier in the season. Just the three points will do this time!

Morecambe 1 Preston 2