Preston boss not taking Duns lightly

Preston ATHLETIC are looking for a return to the top flight after being relegated on the final day of last season on goal difference – and being knocked out of cup competitions this term.

Tomorrow they face Duns who they have already beaten 4-2, but long-serving manager Stevie Myatt is not counting his chickens just yet, preferring to quietly pick up points to climb away from the opposition.

“We have managed to put a squad together eventually although we are still developing,” said Myatt. “It was very difficult at the beginning of the season in terms of having players available. We have been knocked out of all the cups so we have been able to concentrate on our league games.

“It’s about setting targets to get out of the First Division. At the moment we are fortunate that all the other teams who might be in the promotion race are cutting each other’s throats.”

Preston have won seven of their eight games, their only dropped points coming from an away draw with Peebles Rovers. “That’s our only blemish and on that particular day I only had eight players and had to play trialists.

“I know a fair bit about Duns, they are still adapting to life in the East of Scotland League after their Border Amateur days but they are very well drilled and try to play neat and tidy passing in a possession game.”

Myatt will be without John Kerr, Grant Meaney, Peter Keenan and Euan Campbell.

Jamie Lackenby and Andrew Douglas are suspended for Duns while Gary Waddell is injured. Kick-off at the Pennypit is 2pm.