Cup semi gives relegated Preston chance of a lift

Preston, despite a 2-2 result against Edinburgh City last weekend, were relegated from The Central Taxis Premier Division on goal difference after spending nine seasons in the top tier including a fifth position in season 2007-2008.

A forlorn Myatt said: "It's like I've travelled for 11 years and ended up back at the same place. Preston were in the First Division when I took over and after one season of rebuilding in that league we had a squad which then won the championship in season 2001-2002.

"We now have to face up to the fact that we are down there again."

Myatt, however, always a positive thinker, has already signed a one year extension to his contract. "This semi-final gives us all a chance to regroup and regain a bit of dignity for what has generally been a horrible season," added Myatt who has several players including Matt Costello, Sean McAuley, Kyle Collins and Bryan Wilson all nursing injuries along with the unavailable Reece McGillion. On the positive side, goalscorers Mark Pagliarulo and Stuart Miller are both available.

Spartans, meanwhile, won their fourth trophy of the season in midweek with a 2-1 victory against Stirling University in the King Cup final with two goals from Omar Kader. "We scored two really good goals but to give Stirling their due they pushed forward and did score when they forced us into giving away a lot of free kicks," said Spartans co-manager, Mike Lawson.

"Our goalkeeper, Chris Flockhart, made a great save in stoppage time to deny Stirling an equaliser. It was a great result and what it showed is that as a team, we have a superb resilience and the players' character shone through. We will definitely freshen things up because some of our players are running on empty."

The game kicks off at Ainslie Park at 2.30pm. Adults 5, concessions 2.