OCTOBER 12 is a date that has become etched on the minds of PNE supporters everywhere. The Day of Destiny.

After their perfect display against Sheffield United comes the big one in the Worthington Cup - a trip to Arsenal.

The tie is the stuff dreams are made of, and Preston fans firmly believe their players are in with a shout of at least forcing the game to penalties (there are no replays in this competition).

No one can forget the FA Cup game against Arsenal last January in which striker Kurt Nogan took PNE 2-0 up before David Eyres was sent off and Arsenal went on to win 4-2.

But, bolstered by the recent display against Sheffield United, PNE are hoping for a top notch performance and are expecting to take more than 5,000 fans with them - 15 per cent of Highbury's capacity.

However, PNE boss David Moyes isn't going mad about the draw; yet.

He said: "The cup draw is important to the media, but to me, it isn't. I would rather have had three points from Brentford than a third round draw.

"The club needs the money so a good draw is appreciated."

Preston will probably bank a six figure cheque as a result of the game, which will be a good thing as fans begin to question Baxi's financial commitment to the club and whether funds are available for new players.

Their demand follows claims that Moyes was denied cash to strengthen the squad during the club's poor start to the season.

According to the rumours, which have been neither denied nor confirmed, chief executive Tony Scholes couldn't buy in new players - hence the arrival of two loan strikers.

Money has long been an issue which has antagonised North End fans, particularly as the club continue to adopt a 'try before you buy' policy, a tactic which, fans thought last season, cost them Steve Basham during the play-offs.

PSG 2000 spokesman Mark Holt says: "Feelings are still running high after last season, when to many, promotion was not attained because of a serious lack of investment in quality players.

"Preston fans on the whole are open, honest, loyal and long-suffering but, put simply, they will not continue to support a club that increases its prices, but neglects, or more importantly, does not have substantial funds available, to invest in the club."

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