PNE 1-0 Doncaster Rovers

Preston were drawn against Doncaster Rovers in the first round of the knockout stages, it was at tough match in deed.

Doncaster had scored nine goals in the group stages and only let in the one goal, things weren't going to be easy for the Preston players.

Things were changed around slightly, with defender Dave arriving on the Sunday, Atky dropped to the bench. The rest of the team was kept the same.

The first half was a tense affair, with both teams finding it hard to break each other down. Most of the ball was being played in the midfield, Mike and Steve held the ball well in the center of the park.

North End almost took the lead just before half time. The chance came from the training ground corner routine that Steve had taught us. Jason crossed the ball into the near post where Steve flicked the ball on into the box. Addy made a surging run from the 18 yard box, where he clipped the ball just over the bar.

The second half started where the first half finished, Preston were well on top at this stage of the match. Goal scoring chances were few and far between. The Lilywhites eventually took the lead in the final moments, which saw amazing celebrations.

Andy latched onto a through ball, then calmly dinked the ball past the keeper to place North End into the next round. As soon as the ball hit the back of the net, the whole team ran over to Andy for a massive pile on, even other players from rival teams joined in our celebrations.

Preston managed to hold on to the vital one goal lead, which saw them placed against QPR in the last 16.