Memory match: Preston North End hit FIVE against Queens Park Rangers

Preston North End produced a five-goal blitz to steamroller Queens Park Rangers when they met in February 2001 at Deepdale.
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The five goals came in a 35-minute spell in the second half as the Lilywhites clicked into gear going forward.

David Moyes’ use of three strikers paid off, Jonathan Macken, Brian McBride and David Healy all scoring.

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Substitute Iain Anderson joined in the fun too, finding the net late on.

Brian McBride (left), David Healy and Jonathan Macken celebrateBrian McBride (left), David Healy and Jonathan Macken celebrate
Brian McBride (left), David Healy and Jonathan Macken celebrate

This was a first home game for five weeks, the weather and an early exit from the FA Cup meaning no football at Deepdale since January 6.

The week before against Portsmouth at Fratton Park, a 1-0 win had halted a five-game losing run for PNE.

To say they followed it up in style was something of an understatement.

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North End dominated this game for long spells but the scoreline remained blank until early in the second half. McBride, on loan from MLS side Columbus Crew, hit the foot of the post with an eighth-minute shot.

David Healy celebrates his goalDavid Healy celebrates his goal
David Healy celebrates his goal

Later the United States international was denied by a fine save from QPR keeper Ludek Miklosko.

Healy had a shot cleared off the line and saw a couple of efforts go wide as North End continued to knock at the door.

The floodgates opened in the 51st minute with Macken on target.

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Gary Parkinson’s throw-in on the right was flicked on by McBride to Healy.

The Northern Ireland striker played a one-two with Macken and would have been justified in having a shot himself.

Instead he unselfishly squared the ball to Macken to slot home.

The second goal came in the 61st minute, Macken again on target.

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This time he intercepted a stray pass from QPR’s Gavin Peacock, dodged a challenge from Jermaine Darlington, before rounding Miklosko and finding the net.

With the home faithful right behind them, PNE were by now working up a head of steam.

They made it 3-0 in the 68th minute and this one might well have been the most popular of the lot.

It was scored by McBride, this his first goal in a Preston shirt.

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His loan spell from the States had been dogged by injury – including a blood clot in his arm.

So the relief felt when the ball hit the back of the net was shared by player, team-mates, coaching staff and supporters alike. A throw-in from left-back Rob Edwards was collected by Healy down the channel.

He curled a delightful cross into the box for McBride to volley home at the near post.

The fourth goal arrived in the 71st minute, winger Lee Cartwright having a big hand in it.

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Collecting the ball inside the QPR half, he moved forward and hit a shot which bounced off Darlington and fell into Healy’s path.

Healy needed no second invitation, despatching a left-foot shot past the keeper.

There was time for a fifth goal four minutes from time.

Parkinson’s free-kick found Anderson, the Scottish winger taking the ball past his marker into the box and firing home – Miklosko got a glove to the shot but could not keep it out.

North End could even have had a couple more goals before the final whistle put QPR out of their misery.

Miklosko smothered a shot from Macken, while McBride’s cheeky back heel rolled across goal and wide.