PRESTON NORTH END face already relegated Stockport County in the Nationwide first division tomorrow still hopeful of securing a play-off place for a second successive season.

A 2-2 draw against Crewe on Wednesday night dented their hopes of pushing into the top six but a win against County, who will be bouyed by Tuesday's 2-1 win over top-of-the-table Manchester City, will boost their chances.

Stand-in boss Kelham O'Hanlon was at Edgeley Park to see the win and says County have nothing more to lose now this season.

"I was there, I went along to watch and all credit to Stockport, they matched Man City up.

"City had a player sent off early in the game and that was obviously to Stockport's advantage, but they stuck to their task and dogged it out.

"I didn't quite see the goals, I'd left by then!

"I think the pressure is off them. The players and Carlton (Palmer) can start preparing for next season. They can relax and play and we're expecting an absolutely tough game and I've warned the players already what they are in for."

O'Hanlon still thinks his side can make the play-offs but is rueing their bad start to the season.

"We are playing catch up. I think we've been doing that all season because of the start that we had."