Preston North End1, Norwich City 0

Tuesday, October 17

Att 13,002

PRESTON turned in a magnificent performance and clinched the points in time added on for stoppages.

Bjarki Gunnlaugsson scored in a fitting finale to a wonderful evening's football played in difficult conditions as both teams battled for the points.

North End gave a debut to Eric Meijer, secured on a one-month-loan from Liverpool. He was involved in everything that North End did on Tuesday night, creating havoc with Norwich's defence and showing a willingness to get back to help his own defence.

Twice he came close to giving Preston the lead and it was only Andy Marshall in Norwich goal who prevented his debut culminating in a goal.

Michael Appleton, Iain Anderson, Paul McKenna and Steve Rankine all went close to breaking the deadlock as North End played with a confidence that is growing with every match.

Norwich had the upperhand when Darren Kenton had the ball in Preston's net only to be ruled off-side in what was a marginal decision.

Phil Mulryne also went closeto giving them the lead with a full-on header that took a deflection and went just wide of the far post.

As the match looked to be heading for a goalless draw, Meijer crowned his debut with a delicate pass that found Gunnlaugsson and the Deepdale crowd erupted.

David Moyes said he was delighted with the performance.

And Norwich boss Bryan Hamilton said that North End deserved the points on a night when Preston were a force to be reckoned with.