Preston 1 Man City 1

Brett Ormerod showed he was fit to return aided by his facial mask. He scored one and had a shot clearly over the line not given as a goal. Dichio started up front with him meaning we are likely to see Ricketts, Nugent and Mellor start up front on Saturday.

Matt Hill also played after being suspended at the weekend. An unamed trialist also played in midfield - possibly the young American who Simpson was after in January but had to return home due to work permit complications. This has neither been confirmed nor denied.