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Grayson praise for Beckford

Image: Simon Grayson: Beckford the difference

Simon Grayson admits Jermaine Beckford is a class apart after Preston maintained their promotion push with a 3-1 win at Notts County.

North End maintained a one-point buffer ahead of MK Dons in the race for automatic promotion after Beckford and League One top scorer Joe Garner fired them ahead in the first half. Jimmy Spencer's goal threatened to spoil their night, but Bolton loanee Beckford lashed home five minutes before time - leaving Grayson purring over his star man "The first goal was a great strike," said Grayson. "Jermaine has played at the highest level and the second goal was outstanding as well. "He has that in his locker in the fact he can conjure goals up out of nothing. "Obviously it was fantastic for him to score twice and for us to get the three points. "When they got back to 2-1 there's a bit of concern and I'm sure that goes through the players' minds as well. "But to be fair to Sam Johnstone he made an outstanding save to deny Garry Thompson when he went clean through. "Jermaine put the icing on the cake. There was good interplay and Jermaine on the left-hand side has smashed it past Roy Carroll. "Some of the goals he has scored are up there among some of the best and we are thoroughly enjoying him being at our football club. "Credit to Notts County because they had a go but we came through it and got a vital win." The Magpies edge ever closer to the drop - two points away from safety with just two games to go - but a defiant Ricardo Moniz refused to wave the white flag. "We deserved the equaliser and had a great chance through Garry Thompson. There was also a handball in the build-up to Preston's second goal," he said. "At 2-0 it is difficult and I feel bitter because we deserved a point. But defensively we brought them into the game and it's always the same scenario. The devil is playing with us. "But I am proud of my players for the way they performed in the second half. I must pay respect to the crowd because they stayed right behind us. "They were the same against Barnsley and I am very disappointed for them. But we are still not dead. We are still alive. "It is still in our hands. We need two wins and I told the players to carry on what they did in the second half. "That has to continue and whoever thinks we are dead has made a mistake. "The players showed unbelievable character and we now have to focus on three points against Doncaster."

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