PNE 3, DONCASTER ROVERS 2 IN the end it was a nerve-jangling finish to an FA Cup tie which North End should have had gift wrapped at half-time, writes Tom Parker.

In the opening five minutes Preston started at a whirlwind pace and Doncaster were drawn all over the park as North End carried on where they left off against Luton. Then, on six minutes, Doncaster tore up the script as Adie Mike was given the freedom of Deepdale to send a brilliant header wide of Moilanen.

Preston didn't take the warning and Mike had another effort saved by Moilanen as the crowd got restless and fears of a shock cup exit began to increase.

In terms of possession it was all North End.

But, the problem of putting the ball in the net was there for all to see.

Lormer had a great chance but hesitated and Doncaster scrambled the ball clear.

Skipper Gary Parkinson shot over the crossbarn twice from free kicks just outside the box.

Parkinson got forward in support of another attack, but his header went the way of his free kicks and Ashcroft also shot wide.

David Eyres was a constant threat to the Doncaster defence with some fine wing play on both flanks and he was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet from yet another free kick.

Doncaster led 1-0 at half-time as Preston brought on Murdock for Barrick and North End rearranged the back four.

Preston needed a lucky break and that's exactly what came their way when Doncaster only partly cleared a ball into the box out to Gregan.

From 25 yards he hit a scorching shot which Williams seemed to have covered until it hit Warren and ricocheted wide of the keeper and into the net.

Preston threw everything at Doncaster as the defence wobbled and Lormor had a find chance as he cut in from the left, but Williams made a fine save.

A quickly taken free kick released David Eyres who rammed the ball into the net and the Town End crowd breathed a sigh of relief.

Then Appleton's corner was too much for Doncaster to handle and the ball went into the net directly, three goals in nine minutes and surely it was all over.

Preston continued to create chances but Doncaster kept them out and it seemed that North End could always step up a gear and score.

But Doncaster weren't finished - and five minutes from time a defensive lapse let in Hammond and he beat Moilanen with a low shot to set up a cliffhanger.

North End held firm and fans were relieved to know that the first hurdle in the best cup competition of them all had been cleared.

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