THERE'S no rest for the wicked - or teams involved in the race for supremacy in Division Two, as PNE are about to find out.

For, while their loyal supporters are settling down for an evening in front of the television on Christmas Day, stuffed full of turkey, the North End squad while be braving the cruel December weather on the training ground.

Britain's infamous fixture list means that Christmas can be make-or-break time for teams in the race for the division's automatic promotion spots, and David Moyes is taking no chances.

Preston are currently second in Division Two, only falling behind Wigan on goal difference, and wins away to Wrexham on Boxing Day, at home to Bristol Rovers on December 28 and away to Cardiff City on January 3, 2000, are essential. Manager David Moyes says: "Whoever thought up the fixture list wants shooting and it means the lads will be in training on both Christmas and New Year's Day.

"When you go into football you know that Christmas is the one time of year when you have to make sacrifices.

"It is part of the job and I know all the players will be sensible in what they eat and drink over the holidays."

One player who won't be joining Preston in training over the festive season is Alex Mathie, who has returned to Dundee United after completing a three month spell at North End.

Mathie had come to Preston in a bid to kick-start his career after struggling to get a place at Dundee. However, after seven impressive games - including The Sheffield Utd Worthington Cup tie when he hit two goals - Mathie dropped to the subs bench, starting only against Wrexham in the Autowindscreen Shield and Enfield the FA Cup.

He laid on the third goal against Blackpool at the weekend, but it wasn't enough to persuade David Moyes to part with the £300,000 Dundee want for him.

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