Lincoln City 0 PNE 0

NORTH End lost two priceless points on Saturday as John Beck's boys made life difficult for Gary Peters' promotion-chasers.

While Gillingham and Chester were losing ground, Preston had the ideal opportunity to snatch back three points, but had to be content with one after an entertaining shut-out.

Lincoln City fielded three Preston old boys, each with something to prove ... and prove it they did.

Barry Richardson turned in a fantastic performance to deny Andy Saville on several occasions, while Gareth Ainsworth and Terry Fleming also sparkled in front of the fans who once adored them at Deepdale.

Britain's top goal-getters travelled to Sincil Bank looking to add to their tally, following their stunning strikes against promotion pretenders Plymouth Argyle.

A combination of superb goalkeeping, excellent defending and luck kept North End at bay.

Preston have now fired blanks in three of their last five outings. They had their chances on Saturday, however, though the ball just wouldn't cross the line.

Graeme Atkinson came close after eight minutes but Terry Fleming was on hand to clear the ball off the line.

A frustrating moment that typified Saturday's visit to the latest haunt of long-ball king, John Beck.

But then again, frustration is Beck's very own brand.

Remember those aerial battles at Deepdale, the long balls to nowhere, the mammoth centre forwards?

God bless you Gary Peters!

Beck had reason to smile on Saturday, if only for not crumbling to his former employers. Pride is a wonderful incentive.

On a day when strikers couldn't hit the target even if they'd made the goals bigger, Preston had to be content with a hard-earned point.

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