NORTH End travel to Cardiff on Saturday desperately looking for the win that will get the promotion charge back on track.

The coming weeks will decide the destiny of the championship and it is vital that PNE start moving up a gear. And quick!

Preston's main rivals all gained ground on them at the week-end, while North End were being pinned back by Darlington. It's time to start making amends and that means turning in a convincing performance at Cardiff.

Andy Saville has received a two-match ban for his red card debacle against Darlington, but he will line-out against the Welshmen. Gary Peters may well decide to play Steve Wilkinson and Tony Grant up front with Saville in an effort to give the attack added bite.

Grant has been delivering the goods for the Reserves and has played a major part in their unbeaten 13-match run. A natural born finisher, he has the pace and skill to unlock any defence.

North End looked short of ideas against Darlington and must not allow themselves to become so stretched when they face Cardiff.

The Bluebirds lost at Wigan on Saturday and will be determined to avenge their 5-0 drubbing at Deepdale earlier this year. Neil McDonald was instrumental in that fine victory, but it remains to be seen if he will play a part this time.

Preston looked superb at times at Rochdale, but were made to look very ordinary by Darlington on Saturday.

This is the perfect opportunity to turn things around.

PNE have 11 games left to mount their title bid. Cometh the hour, cometh the man!

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