2-3

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North End's Fans Team continued their title push after coming out on top in a pulsating encounter against their Charlton counterparts at the weekend.

The two teams really went at each other in what many onlookers described as a great advert for the Fans League, and that title that Preston so keenly covet could be one step closer after a ding-dong 3-2 triumph in south east London.

Manager Steve Cowell looked for a professional approach from his team in response to the decision to stay in London the night prior to the game, and the policy seemed to work a treat. It was the refreshed Preston who drew first blood, scoring after 12 mins after brilliant run and cross by winger Jason Dodwell that left Dean Newsome with virtually a free header at the back post.

A second quickly followed with the two players again combining to create the chance from which Newsome grabbed his second.

Charlton, however, had never been far away from scoring since the start of the game, and when a PNE player got caught in possession in midfield, the Addicks broke through and scored a vital goal just before half time.

Turning round at half time, the PNE lads now had the elements on their side, but had to work hard to restore their two goal advantage against a determined Charlton side whose tails were now up after their comeback goal.

That cushion was eagerly sought, and it was found with Stuart Bolton diving low to connect with another cross by Jason Dodwell.

Despite the relative level of comfort, the game was far from over as Charlton began to get hold of the game, forcing PNE back in their own half. A Preston player's misplaced pass was intercepted in midfield and the tall leggy Charlton player burst through a couple of desperate Preston tackles to drive home his shot and put Charlton right back in it.

Charlton now had the bit between their teeth and threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Preston. The ball was whipping across the preston six yard box for fun in the last few minutes but thankfully no Charlton player managed to get a good contact on the ball and the PNE lads managed to hold out to record yet another victory on their travels.