Push for the Prem: Match Report Preston 2 Derby 0
By pnefans.co.uk
May 16 2005
Preston's dominance gives them a 2-0 lead going into the 2nd Leg at pride park

Northend secured a massive 2-0 lead going into the 2nd leg of the playoff semi finals, courtesy of an inspiring return from Eddie Lewis.

From the off Northend looked up for this and soon started to show their confidence on the pitch as they dominated Derby. Chances came and went in a first half which saw Eddie Lewis cut through the Derby defence with ease showing both pace and skill.

The breakthrough for Northend came just before the break when Chris Sedgwick split the Derby defence leaving David Nugent to use his strength and lift the ball over and accross Keeper Camp into the far corner.

Derby came out in the second half and looked stronger but couldn't find away past Northends solid defence as Lucketti, Mawene, Davis and Hill held strong backed up by the Midfield who simply didn't allow Derby to play.

Preston though began to find there form again and soon began to create more threatening chances with Lewis, Sedgwick and Mawene working the flanks.

With a 1-0 lead many people would have been happy, but in the 90th minute a free kick played into box caused problems for the Derby defence as Konjic's attempted clearance deflected off Richard Cresswells heel and squirmed past Keeper Camp sending Deepdale into pure hysteria.

 

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