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Preston edged into fifth spot by winning this clash against play-off rivals
Watford, who are also attempting to reach the play-offs as a departing gift for
retiring manager Graham Taylor.
Preston, enjoying their best season for nearly 40 years, gave a league debut
to rookie keeper Andrew Lonergan - and the 17-year-old made four crucial second
half saves.
Lonergan felt the heat early on as the Hornets pressed forward in the opening
minutes. Hitman Tommy Mooney, recovered from an ankle injury, produced a
powerful shot but the youngster palmed it away and Iain Anderson cleared up.
Gifton Noel-Williams, also fit again, was then denied from 25 yards by
Lonergan.
Watford had the upper hand to start with but could not turn it to their
advantage.
Preston had a couple of chances but everything changed on 24 minutes when Jon
Macken was clattered by Alec Chamberlain and Steve Palmer's defensive efforts.
Graham Alexander despatched the spot-kick.
The home side's tails were up and they grabbed a second goal after 33
minutes.
Alexander's looping cross was nodded on by Anderson, leaving Macken the simple
task of slotting in from close range.
But Watford replied with a stunning goal from Noel-Williams 10 minutes before
the interval, who looped a header over Lonergan from 18 yards.
Watford showed their tenacity when Neil Cox rattled the crossbar with a
30-yard free-kick.
And the Hornets levelled after 59 minutes when Peter Kennedy's swinging corner
found Robert Page right in the thick of the action, and he stooped to put a
header over the line.
But Preston stole the winner exactly a minute later, with Macken collecting
his 17th league goal of the season. Rob Edwards' deep cross found Macken ideally
placed on the left side for his shot which beat Chamberlain in the Watford
goal.
Towards the end Lonergan saved from the advancing Noel-Williams and then
stopped a Kennedy blast.
Sean Gregan nodded onto the bar for Preston before Lonergan pulled off more
good saves from substitute Nordin Wooter and Mooney.
Watford put Preston on the defensive in the closing stages but could not find
a leveller, although Mooney saw a drive rebound off the far post.
Teams:
Preston: Lonergan, Alexander, Edwards, Murdock, Kidd, McKenna,
Anderson (Cresswell 67), Gregan, Rankine, Healy (Cartwright 68), Macken.
Subs Not Used: Barry-Murphy, Gunnlaugsson, O'Hanlon.
Goals: Alexander 25 pen, Macken 34, 61.
Watford: Chamberlain, Cox, Robinson, Palmer, Page, Nielsen,
Mooney, Kennedy (Wooter 81), Vernazza, Noel-Williams, Smith.
Subs Not Used: Hyde, Day, Helguson, Panayi.
Booked: Page.
Goals: Noel-Williams 36, Page 60.
Att: 14,071
Ref: Tom Jones (Leeds).
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