Preston's fans have been hailed as the best in the business - admittedly by one of their own!

Steve Cowell, manager of the hugely successful fans team, was won over by the reception that fellow North Enders gave to his players at the last home league game against Norwich as they were paraded around the Deepdale pitch to commemorate their achievements last season. The team proved to be an excellent ambassador for the club during 2006/07 by lifting the Fans League title, seeing off other teams of football supporters from all over the country. 

"This meant a hell of lot to us," claimed Cowell, reflecting on his team's appearance on the hallowed turf. "Saying that, it didn't surprise me. Being fans ourselves we just know we have some of best and most loyal fans in the country."

On the playing side, the fans team has got off to a flying start again this season. After comfortably seeing off Norwich with a 6-1 home victory to launch the season, a much sterner test followed as they travelled to face West Brom as the fixture list mirrored the first team rota. The Baggies fielded a strong, physical side, but the sheer love for the shirt was enough to inspire the Preston lads on to another famous victory.

"We were chasing shadows for a lot of this game," said the boss. "However, we posess a lot of pace and power up front and I knew if we stuck to our game plan chances would come our way."
 
Goals either side of the break were enough to secure a 3-2 victory, with striker George Pennington named as man of the match.

PNE fans are urged to recreate a cauldron of noise inside Deepdale on Saturday as the 'prize of a lifetime' comes up for grabs again. Bring those scarves - and your singing voices - and you could be heading home with more North End memorabilia than you could even dream about!
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