Preston stay on course
By Planetfootball Staff. Last Updated: January 1, 1970 1:00am
Preston's play-off campaign remained on course with a fine 2-0 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.
Watford were well beaten by a Preston side that are gathering momentum, with David Nugent and Paul McKenna both on target for the visitors.
The Hornets are battling to stay clear of the relegation dogfight, and the differing levels of confidence were there for all to see as Gavin Mahon's shot was blocked and Chris Lucketti headed over for North End.
Richard Cresswell hit the woodwork with a volley from McKenna's quickly taken free-kick as the visitors turned up the heat on their hosts.
Cresswell should have done better with another volley, and Eddie Lewis should have scored after good work from Nugent, but it was the second half that brought the goals for Preston.
On the hour mark, Nugent benefited from Brian O'Neil's tenacity to slot home from close range and break the deadlock.
Eleven minutes later and Preston made sure of the points when Alexander's free-kick was lashed home superbly from the edge of the area by McKenna.
Heidar Helguson, in profligate mood, missed a chance late on - but Preston were good value for their win.
Matches
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npower Championship
Table
npower Championship
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardiff City | 46 | 87 |
| 2 | Hull City | 46 | 79 |
| 3 | Watford | 46 | 77 |
| 4 | Brighton and Hove Albion | 46 | 75 |
| 5 | Crystal Palace | 46 | 72 |
| 6 | Leicester City | 46 | 68 |
| 7 | Bolton Wanderers | 46 | 68 |
| 8 | Nottingham Forest | 46 | 67 |
| 9 | Charlton Athletic | 46 | 65 |
| 10 | Derby County | 46 | 61 |
| 11 | Burnley | 46 | 61 |
| 12 | Birmingham City | 46 | 61 |
| 13 | Leeds United | 46 | 61 |
| 14 | Ipswich Town | 46 | 60 |
| 15 | Blackpool | 46 | 59 |
| 16 | Middlesbrough | 46 | 59 |
| 17 | Blackburn Rovers | 46 | 58 |
| 18 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | 58 |
| 19 | Huddersfield Town | 46 | 58 |
| 20 | Millwall | 46 | 56 |
| 21 | Barnsley | 46 | 55 |
| 22 | Peterborough United | 46 | 54 |
| 23 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 46 | 51 |
| 24 | Bristol City | 46 | 41 |
Paul McKenna
David Nugent
