Boss Alex Neil has backed his Preston squad to give their all in the last 12 games

Preston are down to the last dozen games in their push for promotion and Alex Neil has backed his players to give every ounce of effort to stay in the race.
Preston North End goalkeeper Declan Rudd became embroiled in an altercation with a fanPreston North End goalkeeper Declan Rudd became embroiled in an altercation with a fan
Preston North End goalkeeper Declan Rudd became embroiled in an altercation with a fan

The Lilywhites’ 2-1 victory over Hull at Deepdale kept them in sixth place and closed the gap on the three teams immediately above them.

They also put a touch of daylight between themselves and Bristol City in seventh.

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PNE have a tough few days ahead, with a visit to leaders West Bromwich Albion tomorrow night and they then go to Fulham on Saturday.

The win against Hull was not without its bumps in the road, the Tigers going in front late in the first half.

At half-time there was an exchange between a fan on the Town End and Preston keeper Declan Rudd.

That was all put behind them in a much better second half, Paul Gallagher levelling from the penalty spot before substitute Alan Browne headed the winner.

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With regards the exchange between Rudd and the fan, PNE boss Neil said: “Not for one second do I believe there was any malice in it whatsoever – I want to state that categorically.

“It was purely out of a desperation to do well and win. I can assure you that you won’t find a group of players who are as desperate as these lads to do well for this club.

“Every single one of them wants to do well, it doesn’t matter which one you pick.

“We need to settle, we have 12 games left, we need to rally, fight, scrap, do whatever it takes to get us across the line.”

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Neil was delighted to see a double substitution pay off, Browne and Jayden Stockley linking-up for the winner after both had come off the bench in the 58th minute.

Browne got on the end of a fine Stockley cross to score.

Neil said: “Alan’s goal was what Alan has been doing for me in most of my time here.

“This season he has tried to drop out and play more and I think that is why he hasn’t scored enough.

“What Alan did here was exactly what I want him doing, running the channels, getting up to the striker and getting into the box.

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“Jayden did very well for the goal and for a big man he is technically a very good player.

“We do finishing drills and he is arguably one of the best there is with both feet.

“For the goal he shifted the ball out to his left foot and clipped a great ball in for Alan to do what he does best.”

Meanwhile, PNE have posted their financial figures for the year ending June 2019.

They showed a £10.3m cash loss before player trading and amortisation.

The operating loss taking into consideration depreciation and amortisation of player registrations was £14.3m.