Pressure not enough for PNE
Preston v QPR
Seventh-placed Preston will be hoping to snatch a play-off place on Sunday when they host QPR at Deepdale.
If Alan Irvine’s side are to do it, they will need to win and then hope Burnley fail to win at home to Bristol City or Cardiff lose at Sheffield Wednesday.
The Lilywhites looked out of it a couple of weeks ago when they lost at home to Blackpool, but they have bounced back superbly with three straight victories.
And they go into Sunday’s game with plenty of confidence and momentum after beating second-placed Birmingham at St Andrews last weekend.
Ross Wallace scored a top-class free kick at the death to steal all three points after Paul McKenna had netted with a long-range effort.
Keith Fahey had put the Blues in front but Preston responded brilliantly and fully deserved the victory with two stunning strikes.
However, the game did have its controversial moments, with Wallace receiving his marching orders after the winner for taking his shirt off and being given his second booking.
He will miss the QPR game because of the celebration and apologised for his actions earlier this week.
Preston’s Lee Williamson and City’s Lee Bowyer were also given straight reds for grappling with each other in the centre circle.
Both sides appealed the latter red cards but were unsuccessful, and Williamson will miss Sunday’s game and both legs of Preston’s playoff semi-final, if the Lilywhites do manage to sneak their way into the top six.
QPR have had a mixed season, but with a record of only three wins – and 13 goals – away from Loftus Road they were never going to challenge for a playoff spot.
Their last home game of the season was a disappointing one, with Saturday’s game against Plymouth ending in a goalless draw.
Gareth Ainsworth is in his second spell as caretaker manager of the club after the sacking of Paulo Sousa, and if the Londoners are to succeed next season then more stability may be the answer.
Although results do need to go Preston’s way on Sunday, a play-off spot can definitely be won - Irvine’s men just need to concentrate on getting past QPR first.
Verdict: Preston 3-1 QPR