GARY PETERS is cock-a-hoop with the efforts of his team so far this season.

But, he told me, the shine was knocked off a bit when Preston conceded a goal so early in the match against Millwall.

But he argued it was Preston who piled on the pressure, winning a series of corners. He felt that Macken's goal just before half-time "was no more than Preston deserved".

He thought that Lee Ascroft's goal was excellent and praised Jon Macken for his part in the build-up. He was happy with the way the defence responded after having to shuffle the pack a little when Colin Murdock went off injured.

But was he was happy with two wins and a draw? Peters told me: "Three wins would be better."

And such is the confidence and form of the North End players against Gillingham and Rotherham, and at Deepdale on Saturday against Millwall, new £500,000 signing Michael Appleton is unable to gain a place in the starting line-up!

So far he has had to be content with appearances as substitute against Rotherham and Millwall.

But his time will come. He looks to be a very useful player and it looks like money well invested.

Every Preston player is battling for his place, with not a single man is certain of pulling on that famous shirt. And that is how it should be.

North End visit Chesterfield on Saturday. And hopefully, with no mid-week game the players who took knocks on Saturday the opportunity to recover. It will be difficult at Chesterfield - remember their excellent FA Cup run last season - and this time around they have already cruised into fourth place in the division.

Preston are expected to take a good crowd with them to the Crooked Spire and then it's back to Deepdale on Tuesday night, when North End should clinch their place in the second round of the Coca-Cola Cup with a victory over Rotherham United.

Preston, remember, lead 3-1 from the first leg at Millmoor.

TOM PARKER

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