Deepdale has been good to Rovers in recent years and they will head to Preston looking to extend an unbeaten run to three games this weekend in what is the final game of the calendar year.
The previous two visits have seen us pick up four points from a possible six against PNE, and the last time the sides met we walked away with all three in a game where two early goals shell-shocked the home side on the opening day of the Championship season in 2010.
James O Connor netted for Rovers in the 12th minute of the game before the advantage was doubled just six minutes later. Debutant George Friend found space and played an inch perfect cross to Billy Sharp whose header was well saved by Andy Lonergan but he could do nothing about James Hayter’s follow up from the rebound. Rovers were dominating proceedings and frustrating the home side with some slick passing and determined rearguard action, so much so that they were limited to shots from distance, easily gathered by Neil Sullivan.
It took almost 75 minutes before the home side had a real opportunity of note but Keith Treacy was denied by Sullivan making a fantastic diving stop to deny the former Blackburn Rovers winger in a momentary forceful attack from the home side. Minutes later there was a little hope for Preston as the second debutant for Rovers, Simon Gillett, was dismissed for a second bookable offense but there was no way back for the hosts and Sean O Driscoll’s men left Deepdale in buoyant mood.