Blades have the edge

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Blades midfielder struck in clinical fashion just seconds into the second half to cancel out Sean St Ledger's 21st-minute opener.

A fast and furious encounter produced few genuine goalscoring opportunities but United would have won had substitute Craig Beattie not spurned two golden opportunities in the second half.

Monday's decisive second leg at Bramall Lane will not be for the faint-hearted but Kevin Blackwell's men more than matched their opponents physically and dominated the second period.

Deepdale erupted in the 21st minute when St Ledger grabbed his sixth goal of the season. The highly-rated centre-back, whose winning goal against QPR booked North End's play-off berth on a dramatic final day of the season, rifled home from close range following a deep free-kick from Billy Jones.

He was stood in an offside position when the ball came to him but it had been headed into his path by Blades midfielder Nick Montgomery so the goal rightly stood.

Yet Blackwell's men fashioned an encouraging response and almost drew level in the 28th minute when Stephen Quinn slipped in behind the Preston defence and forced a fine save from Lonergan at his near post.

The equaliser came within seconds of the restart after Lonergan smothered a shot from Darius Henderson.

The ball was swiftly recycled by Ward and his right-wing cross was powerfully dispatched by Howard's fine volley from 10 yards.

United appeared to lose Henderson to injury in the 55th minute but replacement Beattie wasted a golden opportunity to make his mark when he fired straight at Blakes goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.