Pawel Abbott's goal ensured Preston signed off in style in front of their own fans with a narrow victory over Bradford.

The Pole struck 13 minutes into an entertaining clash at Deepdale, although North End were equally indebted to Chris Lucketti's composure at the heart of the defence as they withstood a spirited second-half fightback from Bradford.

Abbott's goal may have extended Preston's unbeaten run at home to six games but it also highlighted the inconsistencies of Craig Brown's side during a largely disappointing campaign.

This victory came on the back of a 2-0 defeat by Wimbledon on Easter Monday, meaning Preston's last six results now read: won, lost, won, lost, won, lost.

Richard Cresswell, with a reckless late foul, had earlier gone some way to exacting revenge on Gus Uhlenbeek for his ugly challenge in October's clash at Valley Parade - an incident which led to Ricardo Fuller's sending-off - but he did more damage to the Bradford cause by teeing up Abbott for the opening goal.

Expertly set free by Brian O'Neil, Cresswell had his shot partly saved by Aidan Davison and Abbott was rewarded for his anticipation in following up when left with a simple tap-in from virtually on the goal-line.

Cresswell had a penalty claim turned down as Preston's dominance continued, although Bradford hinted at their attacking threat when Andy Myers flashed a shot past Jonathan Gould's left upright.

The impressive Cresswell, whose participation in this game was guaranteed only when he passed a late fitness test on a knock sustained against Wimbledon on Monday, continued to pose the greatest danger and he was inches away from registering one of the goals of the season with a dipping volley from Paul McKenna's cross.

It needed a marvellously-timed tackle by Tyrone Mears to deny Gray an equaliser, while a precise exchange of passes between McKenna and Graham Alexander were the prelude to a stunning shot from the latter which Davison did well to tip over. Cresswell headed the resultant corner on to the underside of the crossbar.

Bradford's improved second-half performance featured efforts from Laurens Ten Heuvel, Mark Bower and David Wetherall but Preston, despite the occasional lapse on concentration, held on for an 11th home win of the season.

Teams:

Preston: Gould, Alexander, Jackson, Lucketti, Mears, McKenna (Skora 66), Etuhu, O'Neil, Lewis (Cartwright 80), Cresswell, Abbott (Lynch 74).

Subs Not Used: Broomes, Lucas.

Goals: Abbott 13.

Bradford: Davison, Wetherall, Molenaar, Bower, Uhlenbeek (Penford 76), Francis, McHugh (Muirhead 45), Jorgensen, Myers, Ten Heuvel (Forrest 53), Gray.

Subs Not Used: Magnusson, Sanasy.

Booked: Uhlenbeek.

Att: 13,652

Ref: P Rejer (Worcestershire).