NORTH End cruised into second place in the division with a stunning 2-0 win over Notts County.

The club's first half performance was as good as anything they have produced in years, writes Tom Parker.

It was breathtaking at times as Preston pushed the ball around the park with some lovely controlled football that destroyed league leaders Notts County and led to two excellent Jon Macken goals.

As a match it was all over in 27 minutes as Preston took a two-goal lead and had it not been for some excellent defensive work the scoreline could have gone to six or seven.

It came as no surprise when Preston went in front on 18 minutes as Graham Alexander, who had a great game, played the ball down the right side of the box to Kurt Nogan and he held the ball up long enough for Macken to come racing into the box.

Nogan then played in a lovely low pass which Macken took in his stride and he crashed the ball past Darren Ward to send the Preston fans wild with delight.

Nine minutes later it was all over as Macken ran on to a neat ball from Mark Rankine and as Ward advanced the meet him the Preston striker steered the ball beyond him into the net and once again Deepdale was a cauldron of noise.

Preston can't fear anyone after this performance.

Defender Graham Alexander said: "We played very well, particularly in the first half and we deserved to win."

On the goals, he added: "Jon Macken took his chances very well and he was unlucky not to have got a hat-trick when he hit the crossbar."

Graham went on: "We are playing well, we are on a good run and we just hope that we can keep it all going.

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