5,000 Deepdale faithful - the official crowd was 22,564 - were right behind their team until the final whistle.

With five minutes to go, and the scoreline at 5-0, they were still declaring they were going to win the match 6-5! North End boss Gary Peters told Citizen reporter CHRIS KERSHAW after the match: "The whole team needs a morale boost. But I have to praise our loyal fans who were behind us right to the death."

His feelings were echoed by Rovers manager Roy Hodgson who praised PNE fans saying: "The North End fans were very good. They supported the team at a time of adversity and that should give Gary Peters a lot of impetus to get his side to bounce back." But even the most ardent of PNE fans know that even with a second leg to come the coveted trophy is put of their reach - barring a miracle.

Terry Moorland, from Ribbleton, was at the match with his young son and his nephew. He told us: "We are very disappointed. But we enjoyed the match. We hoped for a better result but they were a lot stronger, faster and better finishers. There's not really any hope for the tie but it would be nice to beat them at Deepdale." John Fazackerley, 49., from Penwortham, said: I am disappointed. But I am well used to it after supporting them for 40 years. Realistically, it is over. But it was a big tie and PNE will bvet a bit of money from the gate."

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