Preston overcome Sky Blues
By Patrick Whyte. Last Updated: January 1, 1970 1:00am
Preston North End continued their march for the play-offs with a 3-1 win over Coventry City.
A fantastic first-half display saw the home side score three times through Adam Nowland (26), Graham Alexander (41) and Chris Sedgwick (45).
In the second half Stern John gave Coventry hope with his 59th minute strike, but another two goals eluded them.
Preston looked impressive throughout the match and tested Marton Fulop early on.
Nowland found some space and from close range saw his shot turned away.
David Nugent came even closer to breaking the deadlock three minutes later but he hit the post.
However, Preston were rewarded for their good start when Nowland got the opener.
The impressive midfielder was set up Lewis Neal and he finished well from just inside the area.
The Lilywhites then doubled their lead when Alexander scored from the spot. Andrew Whing upended Patrick Agyemany and the defender made no mistake with the penalty.
Preston's day continued to get better as they scored their third through Sedgwick.
The impressive Neal put another good ball into the box and the former Rotherham man volleyed home.
Early on in the second half there were chances for both teams.
Fulop saved well from substitute Chris Lucketti and Carlo Nash fisted away Gary McSheffrey's shot.
The Sky Blues eventually found their way back into the game with a fantastic 30-yard volley from John.
The Trinidad and Tobago international had been brought on to replace Don Hutchinson and he fully justified his manager's decision with a wonderful goal.
Despite this setback Preston held on for a well-deserved victory with Coventry not really threatening after John's strike.
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 |
Graham Alexander
Adam Nowland
Chris Sedgwick
Stern John
