A GLANCE at the scoreline suggests a miserable match, but it was wonderful entertainment for both sets of supporters and could have ended up 3-3.

Preston brought in John Kay on the right side of the back four and David Moyes started the match alongside Russ Wilcox, at the heart of the defence.

Simon Davey had an early chance for Preston but shot wide.

Bristol Rovers looked very confident in defence and they showed a willingness to attack quickly - Miller wasn't far away from 25 yards.

Wilkinson got away from Clark with a neat turn and raced goalwards as the keeper advanced to the edge of the area, but the Preston striker couldn't apply the finish.

Play flowed from end to end amid constant pressure.

The second half began in frantic style as Rovers stepped up a gear. Miller shot goalwards in a crowded area and the Bristol fans roared a goal, but Dean Barrick kicked off the line.

Deepdale then became saturated as torrential rain enveloped the pitch, the floodlights could hardly penetrate the gloom, but it only added to the excitement.

Kevin Kilbane climbed high to a cross and sent the ball crashing against the post with Collett beaten.

The ball fell back to Steve Wilkinson three yards out and he hit a scorching drive towards goal, but Collett brought off a magnificent save.

Preston had a real let-off when Archer got clear of a static back four and placed a shot wide of Moilanen.

The ball rolled through the dancing rain and agonisingly drifted inches past the post.

North End made a late rally to try to capture the points, Steve Wilkinson created some space and sent a rocket of a shot towards the top corner, again the excellent Collett kept the ball out.

Steve Wilkinson collected the man of the match award.

Gate: 9,752.

Report by Tom Parker, Red Rose Gold.

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