PRESTON'S fans have been praised for their good behaviour during Monday's crunch clash against Manchester City.

Deepdale was packed to the rafters with 20,857 people, but there were few problems inside the ground, despite Man City's unsavoury reputation.

Apart from the odd incident, including the sudden departure of one Man City fan from the Town End into the Bill Shankly Kop - via the pitch while the match was being played - the police reported little trouble.

Scuffles did break out in Preston town centre after the game, with eight arrests at Deepdale and half-a-dozen outside the Greyfriars pub in Friargate.

Finance director at PNE Tony Scholes said: "We are very pleased with the way the game went and the fans conducted themselves exceptionally well.

"It was in keeping with the standards set all season and as such we can proudly boast an excellent record of conduct at Deepdale.

"The match showed that we can attract massive numbers without trouble."

The club is now banking on similar attendances as the season reaches its climax.

The next home game is on April 17 when Blackpool arrive at Deepdale for the annual derby match. The all-ticket game, it is hoped, will attract a capacity crowd.

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