Hanging on at the end

North End duly recorded their third win on the bounce over the festive period with a 3-2 win over Port Vale although after an hour they were 3 up and cruising but a valiant fight back by the Valiants just failed to stop the home side winning.
The early stages it's fair to say were dominated by the visitors and their early dominance should have given hem the lead but Dodds shot hit the back of the net instead of the back of the net.
North End survived another chance from the impressive Tomlin whose shot was tipped onto the bar by Rudd and over for a corner. Efforts by Gallagher and Garner went close for the home side.
Garner the villan of the piece in the reverse game in November was repeatedly called a Merchant Banker by the noisy Vale contigent and it was he on the stroke of half time gave North End the lead, a fine team goal it was, patient build up in midfield, great cross from the wing and a fine header by Garner. (1-0)
North End should have been 2 up within seconds of the 2nd half starting Hulme's header beat keeper Johnson but hit the post and rolled to safety, didn't matter though within five minutes the lead had been doubled.
Gallagher picking the ball up on the left side of midfield cut inside before hammering a howitzer past Johnson from 30 yards, you don't save those.
North End were now on top form and within 10 minutes were further ahead when Hulme's effort was saved by the keeper the ball ran to Gallagher who then set up Garner. He took an age to get his shot in but he found the net when he did. (3-0)
Wright nearly added a fourth but his header went narrowly wide.
What could go wrong? Vale got one back when Tomlin headed in from close range. (3-1) Substitute Myrie -Williams hit the top of the North End bar with a shot and you could feel the tension start to grip the home fans.
Vale had gone direct and were causing all sorts of problems, with six minutes to go, they scored again. A long throw from Dickinson was headed goalwards by Hugill, the ball floated over everyone and landed in the net 3-2)Back in the melting pot, a tired looking home side were hanging on and Williamson was an inch away form leveling. Five minutes of injury time tested the home fans nerves but the home side hung on.
3 wins out of 3 over the festive period, will do nicely.

Preston North End 3 Post Vale 2 Att 10653