TWO games, four days, six points ... forget the number crunching, it's as simple as this - Preston need to keep on winning to make sure that that automatic promotion spot is theirs come the end of the season.

Tomorrow (Friday) Preston make the lengthy journey to Colchester, a team who are currently seventh from bottom and are looking to claw their way up to a more respectable league position before the end of the season.

Then, on Monday, it is possibly THE match of the season (given that the Blackpool derby at Deepdale has yet to be played).

Sleeping giants Manchester City are the team at Deepdale. After a dodgy start to life in the second division, City have fired their way up the table and make up part of the chasing pack behind Preston.

North End have already given Bournemouth a look in after they won 1-0 away at Deepdale and Moyes will be pushing his players to make sure they don't do the same against Manchester City.

There is also a certain amount of prestige about beating Manchester City. For so long a footballing giant, to win against Man City would all but confirm Preston's return from the dead orchestrated over the past few years.

Who knows, perhaps PNE's fantastic achievements might even be picked up by the national newspapers, who seem to think Division Two ends once you step outside Maine Road.

Like it or not, Man City aren't too big to beaten. PNE have proved that once on the manicured turf in Moss Side.

Blues boss Joe Royle believes his side can take the second spot at the end of season.

He has warned PNE to beware of his side as the run-in continues, making this game a potential six-pointer.

So it is no surprise PNE are keeping a lid on their injury worries. Any leaked information would be seen as vital information to the enemy.

We do know Ryan Kidd is recovering faster than expected after undergoing surgery for his ankle injury.

And with the added options provided by the last minute signings of Alexander, McGregor, Winstanley and Clement, one thing is for sure - David Moyes may have a few tricks up his sleeve. It may not be a great surprise to those who have watched PNE all season to see them win on Monday, but it might mark the day PNE are once again seen as a force to be reckoned with in League football.

Who knows, the result might make for more than two paragraphs in the nationals come Tuesday!

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