PRESTON were left dreaming of a big-money fourth round tie in the FA Cup after a spirited comeback saw them beat North West rivals Crewe.

Billy Jones had put the visitors ahead 10 minute before the break after skipper Chris Lucketti's goal-line clearance had fallen into his path.

But North End, brimming with confidence despite several players dropping into unfamilar positions as a result of the club's central midfield crisis, always looked as though they would hit back.

And it was Graham Alexander, with his third goal in as many games, who did just that with a perfectly-placed free kick in the 62nd minute.

With the unappealing prospect of a replay at Gresty Road looming large, Chris Sedgwick put North End in front in the 86th minute with an unstoppable volley which beat keeper Stuart Tomlinson, Crewe's third choice goalie.

Boss Billy Davies said: "It was a game of many changes, lots of square pegs in round holes but the most important thing was to get over the finishing line.

"We didn't play in the first half, we didn't press and pass the ball as well as we could and we did seem a little flat."