Preston North End's big screen appearances down the years

The live experience is going to be missed massively but for now it is need-must as the top two tiers in English football look to play the 2019/20 season to a finish.

Live matches on television are second nature, however who can remember the days of some Preston North End matches being beamed back to Deepdale and shown on a big screen?

It was done several times when tickets for the away section were limited or when it was long journey for a big cup game in midweek.

The first time it was done was for North End's FA Cup tie against Carlisle United at Brunton Park in November 1995.

Carlisle were redeveloping their ground at the time, so PNE's allocation was limited.

Hence club officials made the decision to show the game on a big screen on the Deepdale pitch, it ending up being worthwhile as North End came from behind to win the game in dramatic fashion with Russ Wilcox netting a late winner.

It was repeated the following year in September 1996 for the second leg of PNE's League Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

The first leg at Deepdale ended in a 1-1 draw, the return in North London on a Wednesday evening shown back in Preston - Gary Peters' men were beaten 3-0.

In May 1999, the second leg of the play-off semi-final with Gillingham was beamed back, 6,556 fans turning up to watch.

Later that year, the big screen was set up for the League Cup tie with Arsenal at Highbury.

David Moyes' men put up a brave fight that night, Jonathan Macken netting in a 2-1 defeat.

In April 2000 as North End closed in the Second Division title, PNE ventured to the west country to take on Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Ground.

The away allocation was only 1,400 so the club broadcast it at Deepdale.

A big screen was used for the 0-0 draw with Blackpool at Bloomfield Road in March 2008.

North End's next visit to the seaside in November 2009 saw a 3-1 win - it was shown on the big screen above the Bill Shankly Kop.