PRESTON'S chances of promotion to Northern Premier League hockey next season hang by a thread after they were defeated by league champions elect Rotherham 2-1 on Saturday.

This loss was compounded by the news that Alderley Edge jumped ahead of them into second place following a 5-2 victory over Hull who Preston had lost to two weeks earlier.

Preston now need to rely on other results going their way if they are gain promotion at the end of the season. Crucially, in key fixtures the players have lacked the mental toughness and fighting qualities synonomous with successful teams.

This deficiency is best illustrated by the fact that Preston have only taken three points from a possible 24 against the top four teams.

Final score: Rotherham 2 Preston 1