‘NEW RONALDO’ SETTLES PRESTON NERVES

THIS threatened to be a test of nerve for Preston.

Two sloppy draws in recent weeks against Gillingham and Port Vale had made this a ‘mustwin’.

On paper Swindon, who had an outside chance of automatic promotion, looked like tough opposition.

In truth, they were never at the races and any nerves Preston may have had were banished in the opening two minutes with Joe Garner’s first goal.

Simon Grayson’s side, roared on by a capacity crowd at Deepdale, were exceptional from start to finish. Victory for MK Dons means Preston still have a job to do away at Colchester next weekend but, if they can repeat this performance, they will be a Championship side next year.

In Garner, they have a Championship-worthy striker.

A young Preston fan said: “He’s the new Cristiano Ronaldo.” That may be a stretch, but he is a player destined for higher levels and was superb again today.