By pnefans.co.uk
March 21 2005

After two draws, Preston were looking to take all three points from their encounter with Watford at Vicarage Road, and they did'nt dissapoint.

David Nugent and Paul McKenna were on target as Preston stayed on course for a place in the Championship play-offs.

Nugent put Preston ahead on the hour, taking a pass from Brian O'Neil to score with a simple finish.

And they doubled their lead 11 minutes later, McKenna lashing home from outside the area after Graham Alexander's tapped free-kick.

Heidar Helguson wasted opportunities for struggling Watford as Preston made it one defeat in 16 league games.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Watford manager Ray Lewington:

"There are so many teams down there and people might think we have cushion but as far as I am concerned there is no cushion at all.

"Any of the sides down there could finish up relegated.

"It is going to be a battle and we will need experienced players to help us in this situation."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Preston boss Billy Davies:

"The season is a long way from over.

"We've got another win and it was important playing on what is a difficult surface, in the heat and against a side that's not easy to beat.

"We showed good discipline throughout the game. We were very professional and deserved three points."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Watford: Lee, Ardley (Eagles 67), Doyley, Cox, Smith (McNamee 67), Chambers, Gunnarsson, Mahon, Jackson, Webber (Dyer 73), Helguson. Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Bouazza.

Booked: Jackson.

Preston: Day, Alexander, Mawene, Lucketti, Davidson, Sedgwick (Davis 80), McKenna, O'Neil, Lewis (Hill 64), Cresswell, Nugent (Agyemang 74). Subs Not Used: Ward, Folly.

Booked: McKenna, Davidson.

Goals: Nugent 60, McKenna 71.

Att: 19,649

Ref: M Jones (Cheshire).