NORTH End's impressive run of four wins in a row came to an abrupt end on the wind and rain soaked pastures of Gigg Lane.

It took Bury just 13 minutes to unlock the Preston defence as Lennie Johnrose got clear of a static back four and shot beyond Bobby Mimms into the net.

With better finishing, Bury could have added two more as Johnrose and Johnson missed excellent goal chances.

Preston hit back and in the ten minutes either side of half time they enjoyed their best spell of the match without seriously threatening a Bury defence in which Lucketti was brilliant.

Hopes of getting something from the match evaporated when Johnson sent a blistering header crashing into the net from West's free kick. Preston kept battling away but all hopes went completely when ex-Preston striker Ronnie Jerson back-heeled a lovely pass to Mark Carter and he knocked in number three. The Preston fans made their way out of the ground at this point, obviously reflecting on the superior all round performance of a Bury side which looks to have the ability to make a strong challenge for promotion.

Preston boss Gary Peters was understandably disappointed in defeat and at the below par performance of his team but he was quick to add his appreciation of the performance of Bury.

North End now have to put this poor result behind them and concentrate on the FA Cup second round tie with York City at Deepdale on Saturday, when victory could bring a third round tie with one of the big names from the premiership.

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