PNE 3 FULHAM 1

WITH a battling, hard-working performance to equal anything that Preston have produced this season, the challenge of the 'moneybags' outfit from the banks of the River Thames was brushed aside to bring an end to a run of four consecutive league defeats at Deepdale.

Yet, it all took on a familiar pattern after just six minutes when Paul Peschisolido crossed perfectly for Scott to score a fine goal.

But, back came Preston five minutes later and some neat passing mid-way inside the Fulham half set up Lee Ashcroft and from just outside the box he sent a classic curler high into the roof of the net leaving Mark Taylor in the Fulham goal helpless. Level at the restart, Preston were inspired by some very noisy support from the terraces and came at Fulham down the wings and through the middle, but Danny Cullip and Steve Hayward kept North End out.

Then Fulham cracked - Ashcroft had his legs taken from him by Neil Smith in the box and the referee, amid strong protests from a posse of Fulham players pointed to the spot. In an almost silent stadium Ashcroft's shot hit the back of the net and Deepdale erupted into a cauldron of noise.

Fulham raised their game in a bid to get back into the match but their challenge began to evaporate.

And it disappeared altogether with seven minutes to go when another neat move saw Ashcroft cut inside and evade a couple of challenges before hitting a low shot across goal into the bottom left hand corner for his his hat-trick.

Preston could have added more with better finishing but it was a really solid performance by the players.

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