PRESTON continued their steady rise up Division Two and, in the process, extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a comfortable win against a below-par Millwall.

A second half goal from Lee Cartwright put the travellers in front when terrible mix-up between Millwall keeper Tony Warner and defender Jamie Stuart gave them the chance they needed on 51 minutes.

Warner's clearance thumped against the ex-Charlton defender and straight into the path of Cartwright, who gleefully struck the loose ball from 25 yards out to open the scoring.

And six minutes from time, North End found their lead doubled when John Macken's cross deflected off the head of defender Nethercott and looped into the net.

Only an outstretched boot from Ricky Newman prevented Paul McKenna making it three after he found himself in ample space to score.

Warner also had to pull off fine saves to prevent a Sean Gregan header and a close-range shot from Macken.

Millwall tried to hit back, but Paul Shaw's attempt at goal was little more than reckless as the ball coasted over the bar - which was no mean feat considering it would have been far easier, and a lot less skilful, to have scored.

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