HATED Gillingham return to Deepdale on Saturday facing a North End side who have a point to prove.

Under Tony Pulis, Gillingham ruined North End's promotion dreams in the most agonising way possible as they dumped PNE out of the play-offs last May.

This year, North End enter the home run a meaner, leaner, fitter, stronger side while Gillingham are hoping for a play-off place.

The stakes for both teams are high this weekend. A win for North End would keep them top, a win for Gillingham would make a play-off place more likely.

And manager David Moyes knows what has to be done.

He said: "We can't afford to give away a bad goal, like we did last weekend.

"We need to create chances and put them away. Hopefully, we won't be up against such a good keeper this weekend. "We can't expect to win every game. We need to battle."

Her added: "We have to expect teams to be adventurous. Bury played four upfront to try and beat us.

"However, this is a game we are looking forward to and we always enjoy playing them.

"In my opinion, they are a better side than last year and it will be a tough game."

One player who will have to be on his best behaviour is North End captain Sean Gregan, pictured, who is hated by the Gillingham fans.

His exceptional disciplinary record will be put under its toughest test this weekend against the Prestfield outfit.

Brett Angell may get his first run out for North End, possibly pushing Bjarki Gunnlaugsson out of the team. Steve Basham and Ian Anderson are expected to line up on the bench.

Kurt Nogan has overcome his food poisoning scare but still hasn't reached match fitness, while Lee Cartwright is still ruled out.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.