PNE 3 MILLWALL 2

WITH the Championship already won, Preston North End supporters packed Deepdale in a massive celebration of a great season.

They sang, they chanted, they waved their scarves and their banners, they drooled at it all as North End produced a first-half exhibition of football the like of which hasnt been seen at Deepdale in years.

It took Preston just 31 seconds to open the scoring as David Eyres floated in a free-kick that Tony Warner couldnt keep out and Deepdale exploded into almost hysteria.

It all got better on ten minutes. Again David Eyres involved in the action as he hit over a high cross which Warner came for but couldnt hold onto.

As the ball hit the turf in stepped Michael Jackson to smash the volley high into the top of the net and Deepdale was on fire.

Paul McKenna had a fine chance to make it three moments later but this time Warner made a great save to keep Millwall in the match.

Warner was then booked for coming out of his area to bring down Gunnlaugsson as he was clear on goal and he was fortunate that the card was red rather than yellow.

Preston piled on the pressure, Michael Appleton finished off a great Preston move with a shot just over the crossbar and as the crowd roared North End on. Graham Alexander sent a header crashing to the top of the net, but Warner tipped the ball over the crossbar in spectacular style.

Warner could do nothing about Prestons third goal four minutes from half-time.

The ball was stroked around the park as Millwall defenders desperately tried not to concede another goal, but it was all in vain as McKenna crossed to the near post and Brett Angell had the North End fans roaring again as he hit the back of the net from six yards.

Preston went off to a standing ovation, richly deserved for a breathtaking performance.

The job done, Preston took it easy in the second-half and allowed Millwall back into the match as The Lions scored two goals in the opening ten minutes of the second-half through Paul Ifil and Lucas Neill.

As the rain fell, Millwall were not being allowed to dampen North Ends championship parade and Preston closed the game down and might have added to their scoreline with better finishing.

McKenna was a whisker away with a sparkling cross shot that the keeper knew nothing about and in the three minutes added on by the referee for stoppages, Jon Macken was a foot away with a fine angled shot.

The crowd cheered a famous Preston North End victory and then Deepdale went absolutely barmy.

Skipper Sean Gregan, who didnt play in the match, was presented with the silver Championship Trophy and the sun came out as he lifted the cup high in the air.

The North End players and Sir Tom Finney, then went on a couple of laps of honour as the spectators stood and applauded, waved their banners and scarves and sang Cant help falling in love with you.

Then, the real tearjerker as the tenor led the singing of Land of Hope and Glory and Deepdale went ballistic.

They will talk about this day for a long time and it will live long in the memories of all who saw a lot of what Preston North End have done this season.

On Sunday, there will be a parade through the town as the players travel in an open top bus with that silver trophy proudly displayed in a celebration of success as the fans look forward to next season in the First Division.