PRESTON made it four wins in four days with a superb victory over First Division Tranmere Rovers - proving that the Deepdale boys do have what it takes to play in a higher league. (TRANMERE ROVERS 1 PNE 3)

A powerful performance against a strong Tranmere side will have put away any memories of not-so-good performances against the non-league sides.

And the fire power on North Ends part was plentiful, with Jon Macken showing he is up for the fight for a first team shirt as he snatched a brace at Prenton Park.

But it was new boy Farid Diaf who opened PNE's account with just a minute gone.

He stabbed in a left-wing cross, increasing speculation that his three-month contract will soon be extended.

On 34 minutes, Preston found themselves 2-0 up when Lee Cartwright sent through a cross, which was headed down by Dominic Ludden only to be palmed away by John Achterberg.

Jon Macken was there, however, to score on the rebound.

Tranmere pushed their way into the game on 40 minutes when Scott Taylor pulled one back, even though he looked a yard offside.

PNE wrapped up the game on 64 minutes when Mark Rankine played the ball through for Macken on the edge of the box. He wasted no time in shooting home.

PNE:Lucas, Alexander, Ludden, Murdock (Rankine 45), Jackson, Gregan, Cartwright, Appleton (Eyres 45), Nogan (Wright 72), Macken, Diaf. Unused: Molianen, McKenna, Murphy, Darby.

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