North End put in questionably their finest performance of the season to beat high-flying Watford at Deepdale.

Neil Mellor's strike on 75 minutes was enough to earn the Lilywhites a thoroughly deserved three points after an excellent team effort at both ends of the field.

In what on paper looked a very difficult proposition, Alan Irvine's men dominated proceedings from start to finish, keeping a second consecutive clean sheet on their home patch.

The goalscoring hero had only been on the pitch a matter of minutes, but he produced the all-important predatory finish at the right time as North End moved up two places in the Championship table.

The Manager had earlier decided to hand debuts to Chris Brown and Richard Chaplow, who had signed in midweek from Norwich and West Bromwich Albion respectively. The big forward was paired with Karl Hawley up-front whilst the energetic midfielder slotted in alongside captain Paul McKenna in the centre of the park.

Indeed, the big forward was penalised for a shoulder barge within seconds of the kick-off, immediately highlighting the different threat he posed .

In an cautious opening, Lewis Neal hit a speculative 30 -yard effort which flew harmlessly over the bar after good link up play between five or six North End players.

Again the wide man found himself in the thick of the action only minutes later, when after strong play by the new man Brown , the left-winger hit a dipping shot that took a slight touch off Jackson. It was enough to alter the flight and for a split second it looked as though it was destined to loop over Lee and into the goal.However, it wasn't to bring a cheer to the home faithful as it landed just few feet over the netting.

North End had been punished numerous times this season for little mistakes. When Richard Chaplow was caught in possession on the edge of his own box by Jobi McAnuff on 20 minutes, North End fans could be excused feared the worse as the number 11 skipped in-field and hit a low angled drive. It took Andy Lonergan to be on full alert as he produced a fine save to tip the former Wimbledon man's shot around the left-hand post.

The home support were in absolute uproar halfway through the first half when, having spun Matt Jackson, Hawley was tugged back by his marker. The crowd bayed for blood, wishing the number two to be issued with marching orders but they had to settle for a yellow card as the stand-in centre back was issued with a severe reprimand.

Hornets' striker Darius Henderson, who declined a move to the Lilywhites back in August, had arguably the first half's greatest chance when he forced Andy Lonergan to produce yet another world-class stop. From point blank range, the North End stopper rushed out of his net to block the big target man's goal-bound prod.

Whaley was looking productive out back on his preferred right, whipping in a few devilish crosses without finding any real end finish but it was the other winger, Lewis Neal, who had the first half's final chances.

Firstly, another shot from distance again flew a few feet over the upright and when Richard Chaplow chipped a delightful cross up to the back stick, the former Stoke man must have cursed his luck when Lee produced a great block to deny his sweet left-foot volley.

Although it remained goalless, it was a very positive opening 45 minutes for Alan Irvine's men, who dominated against their second-placed opposition.

The opening exchanges of the second period remained rather scrappy, with the constant tone of the referee's whistle rising high above that of both the home and away supporters shouts and chants. Davidson's name was placed in the book for the ninth time this season when he committed a late challenge on Tommy Smith before Lewis Neal almost squirmed in down the left after a Brown knock-down.

A blocked snap-shot from Simon Whaley was greeted with a rendition of 'come on you whites' from the Town End as they sensed that this game was there for the taking.

Karl Hawley whipped in a great cross from out on the right, as the two new boys failed to make clear contact with their head, having been well placed inside the six yard box. As for most of the match, Preston's best opportunities came from both flanks.

The former Carlisle striker was caught in two minds only minutes later as after beating the offside trap, he played a ball back across to the onrushing Lewis Neal, who had darted in off his wing. It was probably the wrong decision in hindsight as having got into the original position, he should have backed his finishing ability to trouble Lee from only eight or so yards.

Both the impressive Brown and Chaplow were withdrawn with 15 minutes remaining, both looking rather fatigued after running themselves into the ground. Neil Mellor and Darren Carter the replacements.

A bit of inspiration from Alan Irvine? Well, it seemed so as within seconds Mellor prodded home the only goal of the game. It all stemmed from a great far post cross by Simon Whaley, and when it was knocked back in by Lewis Neal, the PNE number 33 was in the right place to slam home at the second time as asking with only 15 minutes remaining.

Watford came fighting back, as expected, from a team challenging for promotion back to the top flight. Both McAnuff and substitute O'Toole had shots wide as the ever-vocal Preston fans realised that it was going to take a resolute performance in the latter minutes to keep the score the same.

After Lonergan prevented Henderson from equalising, the whistles rang out for full time around Deepdale, even though there were still a few minutes remaining on the clock. Mellor booted a ball into the building site in an attempt to waste a few more minutes but frankly Watford failed to create another opportunity.

The full time whistle was met by the biggest cheer witnessed all season at Deepdale as the majority of the 12, 347 in attendance realised it was a mega three points for all concerned with North End.

Preston: Lonergan, St. Ledger, Mawene, Chilvers, Davidson, Whaley, Chaplow (Carter 75), McKenna, Lewis Neal, Brown (Mellor 73), Hawley.
Subs Not Used: Chris Neal, Sedgwick, Ormerod.

Booked: Whaley, Davidson.

Watford: Lee, Doyley, Jackson (Mariappa 79), DeMerit, Stewart, Smith, Williamson, Francis (O'Toole 76), McAnuff, King, Darius Henderson.
Subs Not Used: Poom, Priskin, Ellington.

Booked: Jackson.

Att: 12,347

Ref: Scott Mathieson (Cheshire).