DAVID Moyes was left to ask himself if last season really was just a fluke as his side crashed against an ultra-defensive Chesterfield side. (PNE 0 Chesterfield 2).

Without the suspended Sean Gregan, the Preston boss brought Rob Edwards into midfield, but he never looked comfortable and it was largely left to the excellent Mark Rankine to control and inspire Preston in the middle of the park.

Only three excellent saves from keeper Andy Leaning prevented North End from scoring, as first Michael Jackson, then Steve Basham had excellent chances blocked. It was then David Lucas' turn to prove his worth as Tony Carss hit a crashing drive from a disputed free kick through a wall of defender.

Preston responded with a fine move which should have brought the opening goal.

Alexander linked with Rankine and he played a neat ball down the right of the box to Cartwright who took it to the goal-line and played in a lovely cross to the near post. Kurt Nogan came running in on it and looked to only need to make contact to score but he pushed the ball across goal, wide of the post.

They picked up where they left off as the second period began, but PNE were caught on the break on 51 minutes when some great footwork by Tony Carss out on the left provided a perfect pass for Roger Willis to beat Lucas from close range.

North End threw everyone forward in a bid to get back into the match and Murdock headed just over from a corner kick by Eyres.

Rankine and Cartwright linked to provide an opening for Eyres, but he shot wide of the post.

Again, North End were caught on the break as some sloppy defending let in PNE old boy David Reeves who gave Lucas no chances from six yards.

Try as they might, Preston couldn't break down the Chesterfield defence, although it took a fine tackle by Breckin to keep out Basham in the closing moments.

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