NEW boy Alex Mathie, who scored twice on Tuesday to ensure PNE's passage to the next round of the Worthington Cup, is hoping that his three month loan will be extended to a permanent stay. The Scottish striker made his debut against Gillingham on Saturday after signing from Aberdeen on Friday, as revealed here on our internet site.

And while Tuesday's goals will long be remembered, with Basham and Nogan returning to fitness and Bjarki Gunnlaugsson arriving next week, he faces stiff competition to remain in the starting line-up.

Mathie said: "The loan move is with a view to Preston signing me on a permanent basis if I do well enough. It's up to me to prove I am good enough to play here and hopefully I can impress the manager."

He added: "I have known David Moyes for a few years and he has watched me several times. He wanted to buy me when I was at Ipswich but the fee was too high."

PNE's green fingered groundsman, Peter McCallion has received a national commendation for his work with last season's plagued pitch. The awards, presented by the Football League and the Institute for Groundsmen, was handed over by David Moyes before the Burnley march.

Deepdale Duck is used to watching the action, but this weekend he will be part of it! The Duck is one of 20 mascots from up and down the country taking part in the inaugural British Mascot Grand National at Huntingdon racecourse, Cambridgeshire, on Sunday. Set across the final furlong of the racecourse, the race includes six small obstacles for each of the competitors to overcome. Said Deepdale Duck: "This is one event I didn't want to miss. I want to win it for Preston."

Preston are considering lodging a complaint against Gillingham after claims that their PA incited the crowd into hurling abuse at PNE skipper Sean Gregan. Gregan was introduced as 'the ever-popular Sean Gregan' and as he ran out on to the field, the PA continued by saying 'Welcome back to Priestfield, Sean.' The comment provoked a barrage of abuse at Gregan, who had them silenced when he scored the second goal in PNE's 2-0 win.

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