NORTH End take on Darlington on Saturday - and desperately need a victory against the Quakers if Gary Peters has his way, they will get it.

That last home effort against Rochdale ranks up there with Preston's worst in the last couple of years.

Preston need to build on their excellent showing against Gillingham and that means keeping the momentum going against Darlington.

They arrive at Deepdale on Saturday with fresh memories of their disastrous home defeat at the hands of table-proppers Torquay. Before that stinging result on Saturday, Darlington had been making considerable progress up the league.

Make no mistake, Darlington can play. They are currently sitting in fourth place and - despite that disaster against Torquay - are within touching distance of an automatic promotion slot.

Gary Peters knows all about the threat they pose - David Lucas spent a month on loan at Feethams and will have told the boss where their strengths are.

The PNE faithful were shocked by North End's all-round play at home to Rochdale and will settle for nothing less than a convincing victory.

Paul Birch and Paul Sparrow have added another string to the Preston bow and will be hoping to make impressive home debuts. Simon Davey turned in a fantastic 90 minutes against Gillingham and will be determined to keep it going against Darlington.

They pose a considerably more potent threat than Rochdale did and will be difficult to break down. Their away form this season has been first class, winning eight and drawing eight out of 17 games . . . so be warned.

If their home form was as impressive, they would be looking down on us from above! Gary Peters knows what has to be done. Let's hope the promotion charge gets back on track with another polished performance.

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