DESPITE the 3-0 scoreline, Preston boss Craig Brown was adamant his team performed better in the corresponding fixture at the Hawthornes back in August.

Back then, North End were reduced to 10 men when Jonathan Gould was sent off following a Lee Hughes dive in the penalty area.

Asked if he felt the 3-0 at Deepdale avenged what happened in the Midlands, Brown said: "I think we played better down there! The performance by 10 men that day was magnificent.

"But today was a very good performance. We had five or six first team players out which goes to show the strength in depth we have here.

"Michael Keane and Paul McKenna had excellent games, and Andrew Lonergan did very well when he was called upon.

"He didn't even know he was playing until 1.30pm today when Jonathan Gould said he was feeling some pain.

"Gould could have played but with one of the outfield players taking the kicks for him but I want fit players on the pitch. If they have an injury, it gives them an excuse from the off.

"But it was a good result today, and we need to continue getting them."