IT WAS a nightmare Christmas for Preston North End boss Craig Brown, whose side have lost all three matches over the festive period without scoring a goal.

On Saturday, it was Crystal Palace striker Tommy Black, who got Brown down as he responded to his manager's blast with both goals in a 2-0 win over Preston which put Palace firmly back in the play-off hunt.

Black has been the inspiration behind a run of four wins in five league games, but his manager accused him of taking a day off in a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth on Boxing Day.

The motivational tactic worked as the former Arsenal trainee reacted with a tireless performance at Selhurst Park and received a standing ovation after his goals in each half sealed victory.

Brown admitted he hopes to strengthen his side and he is on the look-out for a striker to replace Ricardo Fuller, sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee ligament injury.

Brown said: "We need to look seriously at supplementing the squad. We have to look at the availability of certain guys.

"I'm looking at more than one player. We have been looking all season, but it's more necessary when you haven't scored a goal in three games.

"Black was the difference and Palace deserved to win. They were first to every ball. That's a cause for concern."