Wigan Athletic 0, PNE 1

WHEN this scoreline was flashed around the globe it served notice that Preston North End would be playing in Division One next season, writes Tom Parker.

Arguably, it was North End's best performance of the season as they battled from the opening whistle to ensure they would take something from the game.

But taking all three now puts the Deepdale side on the threshold of not jut promotion, but the championship.

The only goal of the game came on 17 minutes with a training ground routine which had the Wigan defence in a panic.

A corner on the right was played in by Rob Edwards to Bjarki Gunnlaugsson who came away from his marker, pushing the ball to Edwards, who sold a dummy to Jeff Peron, floating a high cross to the back post.

Neil Roberts could only head the ball high in the air, dropping it to Michael Jackson who unleashed a powerful shot from 12 yards out into the top corner of the net.

Preston had chances to wrapped it up on 32 minutes when the excellent Mark Rankine did a neat one-two with Iain Anderson to send the loan player clear in the box. Roy Carroll performed a magnificent save.

Tepi Moilanen also had a good game, going full stretch to save a low drive from Simon Haworth and a header from Arhan Dezeeuw.

A fast and frantic game had the fans on the edge of the seats throughout, but even the loss of Sean Gregan five minutes from the end couldn't stop North End, who clung on for the three points which takes them even closer to promotion.

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