Preston North End entertain Hull City at Deepdale on Saturday in what is a crucial match in the Championship play-off race.
PNE are currently eighth - two places behind the Tigers, who hold the final play-off spot. Beating Hull probably wouldn't lift Preston in to the play-offs given the visitors' superior goal difference - but it would improve their chances of being involved in the end of season showpiece.
A repeat of the February clash in 2020 would, therefore, be welcomed by North End. That is when Preston last saw off the Tigers at Deepdale, having since lost 4-1 and shared a goalless draw. Let's look back to that 2-1 win, which came just a few weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic.
PNE were battling for a play-off spot and sat inside the top six, whilst Hull were in 17th. The away team took the lead just before half-time as Mallik Wilks opened the scoring, but a half-time team talk saw the game turned on its head.
Darnell Fisher was brought down inside the box and Paul Gallagher - who could be trusted from 12 yards - fired home to equalise. Four minutes after Preston had got themselves back on level terms, they went in front as Alan Browne headed home expertly from a Jayden Stockley cross.
The victory put Alex Neil's side on to 56 points at the 34-game mark of the season and provided them with a three-point cushion over Bristol City, going level on points with Brentford and Nottingham Forest. Preston would play three further games - all ending in defeat to West Brom, Fulham and QPR before the season was put on hold. They would win just two games after the season restarted in July and ended up finishing ninth - four points adrift of the play-offs.
Here's to hoping that PNE can go one step further and bridge that gap. In the meantime, here's what every player is doing now - from Preston North End's last home victory over Hull City.

9. CAM: Josh Harrop
Recently joined Cheltenham Town after six months out of the game, following a brief spell with Northampton Town. | Getty Images

10. LM: Scott Sinclair
Left PNE in 2022 after two years, to re-join the club where it all started: Bristol Rovers. At 34 years of age, he's still with them now and has three goals in 15 league appearances this season. | Getty Images

11. ST: Sean Maguire
Left PNE for Coventry City in January 2023, though his stay with the Sky Blues was short and he would move on again to Carlisle United. The Cumbrians are currently bottom of the League One standings. Maguire has grabbed a couple of goals. | Getty Images

12. Sub: Alan Browne - 58
Replaced Maguire in the 58th minute that day and scored a cracking header. PNE's club captain and fans are desperate to see him sign a new contract. | CameraSport - Andrew Kearns


