FEW would have predicted a North End victory against Divison One's team of the moment.

Even fewer would have put a pound on the noisy Town End singing 'There's only one Barry Ashby' as North End notced up a 3-0 win, ending a run of eight games without victory.

It was an afternoon where North End proved they still have what it takes to put out the sort of show, which in previous seasons, has made them a delight to watch.

Jonathan Gould commanded his goal with confidence, while the back four in front of him restricted Gillingham's chances. Michael Jackson's man-of-the-match performance must prove he should be Chris Lucketti's first-choice partner in defence.

In midfield, Brian O'Neil and Paul McKenna seem to have an understanding which made all the difference. North End played with a confident midfield, one which attacked and defended in equal measure and was exceptionally fluid in passing.

Upfront, Richard Cresswell and George Koumantarakis put Gillingham under pressure, but it was winger Eddie Lewis who opened the scoring on 29 minutes.

He latched on to O'Neil's cross and forced it home at the far post.

Gills player manager Andy Hessenthaler then worsened his team's woes when he fouled Paul McKenna in the area, giving Graham Alexander the chance to score from the penalty spot.

Barry Ashby added a third for Preston when he intercepted a misplaced back-pass to slide the ball past the Gill's keeper to secure the win.

PNE 3 - Gillingham 0