Tuesday 24 March 2015 10:56, UK
If Preston go up this year they can point to their FA Cup win over Sheffield United as the turning point, according to Simon Grayson.
North End were on a seven-game winless run heading in to the fourth-round replay against the Blades at the start of February which had the ultimate carrot on offer for the winner. Two Paul Gallagher goals helped the Lilywhites come from behind to beat Nigel Clough's team, setting up a plum tie with Manchester United at home. Louis van Gaal's side would defeat Grayson's men that night, despite falling behind, but it remains the only reverse Preston have suffered in their past 12 contests. "January was difficult, there's no getting away from that fact," the North End manager said. "That Sheffield United game was probably a catalyst for the success we're having now. The incentive was there in terms of going through the next round of the cup to face Manchester United. "Joe Garner (coming back from injury) was a massive lift for us, Callum Robinson coming back (on loan) and Daniel Johnson was a new person around it too. "There were lots of things but one result can really change a season around. That can happen at any football club and we do believe that's been the case along with the other factors we mentioned."
