Preston 2 Palace 0

Preston made it twenty one games unbeaten in all competitions by sealing an important home victory against play off rivals Crystal Palace. Preston made several changes to the side that started the cup tie on Saturday including debutant Ormerod who slotted in with his left foot to give North End the lead. Preston enjoyed much of the first half but it was Palace who spurned a great chance by shooting over from inside the six yard box. Tempers frayed but both sides managed to keep all 11 on the pitch.

the second half saw Preston come out on top with O'Neill scoring his second goal against Palace in two games with a header from the corner. Palace were then forced to throw on all three subs in a desperate attempt to get something from the game. Preston managed to control the rest of the game without too much cause for alarm and Nash kept another clean sheet. Preston move into fith place leapfrogging Palace in the table.

Attendance was given as around 13,800 but with the Town End being as full as it has been all season it looked more like 15,000 plus.