PRESTON 0 GILLINGHAM O

GILLINGHAM lived up to their billing as Preston's bogey team when they hindered North End's play-off charge.

David Moyes' side, promoted with the Gills last year, lost 4-0 at the Priestfield Stadium earlier in the season, and were lucky to pick up a point at Deepdale.

Gillingham should have had a penalty just before the break when Gillingham dangerman Iffy Onoura broke clear with only Preston keeper Tepi Moilanen to beat.

The Finnish shot-stopper seemed to take Onoura's legs but referee Uriah Rennie waved play-on much to the visitors frustration.

"I felt at the time it was a penalty," admitted Moyes.

The Preston boss could find little explanation for his side's below-par peformance but can still take heart after seven wins in their last ten games.

"No one game has been easy this season," said Moyes. "The boys know they can play better and I know we can.

"We were a bit static all round."

Preston visit Burnley on Friday night and will have to step up a gear although they did almost snatch an early goal in a lively opening.

Gills keeper Vince Bartram denied striker Richard Cresswell, making his first start since his loan move from Leicester last month, by blocking his shot in the opening minutes.

Defender Rob Edwards also had a chance to break the deadlock in the second half but his rasping shot was kept out of the top corner of the net by Bartram.

Midfielder Paul McKenna also had a couple of efforts, his 25-yarder skimming the crossbar before Jon Macken, at the death, fired inches over.

But the Gills could also have snatched it and Andy Hessenthaler would be disappointed to just pick up a point.

For North End, who went away to the Mediterranean for a couple of days last week, they'll be aiming to pick up the pace when they visit Turf Moor.