NORTH End face the mouthwatering prospect of Premiership opposition after playing their most magnificent game in years against Wrexham in the Worthington Cup.

Yet, only a magnificent save from Tepi Moilanen beating out a fierce angled shot from Ian Stevens prevented Wrexham from taking an early lead in this 2-0 win.

Preston looked menacing throughout, starting with Steve Basham and Jon Macken in attack. Both dominated the action throughout.

On 11 minutes, Sean Gregan played a lovely ball over the head of Brian Carey, which Steve Basham collected in a flash, sending a powerful 25 yard drive flying in to the back of Wrexham's goal.

Despite the early lead, Preston refused to relax, applying pressure in an attempt to kill off the match - and both Michael Appleton and Macken came close to doing just that.

Wrexham struggled to get out of their own half, such was the quality of the North End performance, which looked as if it would produce a goal at every attempt.

Basham showed why he could possibly be worth in excess of £1 million by holding off two defenders on the edge of the box before unleashing a rocket which was saved well by Darken in the Wrexham goal.

Just four minutes after the restart, Preston doubled their lead when Appleton clipped a perfect pass to Macken just inside the Wrexham half.

Macken sprinted clear to score with a tremendous shot that gave the keeper no chance at all.

Within seconds, Preston created another chance and Basham brought another fine save from Dearden.

Wrexham tried to rally, looking for some consolation, but the heroics of Moilanen prevented them from taking anything from the game.

Preston responded by closing the game down with some wonderful control.

Ryan Kidd pushed forward in the closing minutes to hit a 20 yard drive inches wide of the post.

Some may have thought it was all over, but, in a classic piece of play, David Eyres hit a shot 30 yards out.

It carried such enormous power that when it hit the crossbar, it left a mark on the bar for all to see.

A standing ovation from Preston's travelling support was totally deserved for a performance of such quality.

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