COMEBACK DELIGHT FOR ‘BFG’ BAUER

PRESTON’S ‘Big Friendly Giant’ Patrick Bauer has now scored in back-to-back games – even though they were eight months apart.

The German defender has been sidelined with a serious Achilles injury since last December and made his winning comeback against Peterborough.

And the ‘BFG,’ as he is affectionately known by fans, used his 6ft

5in frame to head home what proved to be the winner (above) from a Ryan Ledson freekick as Preston ended a run of three consecutive defeats.

In his last appearance, Bauer hit the target before being stretchered off in North End’s away win at Bournemouth, and he said: “It feels strange to score in back-to-back league games.

“It took me eight months to do it, but it’s good to be on the scoresheet.

“It was a really solid display by us. I was just disappointed because we could have put the game to bed much earlier. We had up to seven really good chances to score.

“The last three performances weren’t good enough, but hopefully now we can get some momentum.”

Preston are eyeing more firepower. They are tracking Portsmouth winger Ronan Curtis and are keen on taking Manchester City’s teenage striker Liam Delap on loan.

Free agent Connor Wickham is also training with Preston and could win a deal.

North End boss Frankie Mcavoy said: “Rome wasn’t built in a day. I ask the fans to be patient. This win can be the catalyst for better things.”

Posh boss Darren Ferguson said: “The issue is all about set-pieces. We are not aggressive enough in tackling them.

“They had four free headers in the second half alone. We’re going to have to address the problem, and we will. I still believe that in the long term we can have a very good season.”