On the tenth anniversary of Sir Tom Finney’s passing, Preston North End host Middlesbrough at Deepdale on Wednesday night.
Match Details
Date: Wednesday 14th February, 7.45pm kick-off
Venue: Deepdale
Competition: Sky Bet Championship
Kit: Splash kit
Supporter Information
Tickets for this fixture will remain on sale right up until kick-off in person from the Deepdale ticket office, over the phone on 0344 856 1966, and online.
Home supporters can head to The Gentry Bar from 4pm for pre-match drinks and live entertainment, and it will also reopen after full-time. Full opening times and offerings are to be confirmed in the Matchday Information article.
The matchday shuttle bus will be operating as normal for fans to get to and from Deepdale, with return tickets costing £6 on-board. Timings for the service are as follows:
Leyland Tesco (Stop A – Car Park) – 6pm
The Railway, Leyland – 6.10pm
Ye Olde Hob Inn, Bamber Bridge – 6.15pm
Beam and Brycg Pub, Bamber Bridge – 6.20pm
Arrive at Deepdale, Lowthorpe Road – 6.40pm
For this fixture only, the PNE squad will wear a special edition Splash shirt, in memory of club legend Sir Tom Finney, who sadly passed away ten years ago.
The club recently released an important message to fans about condemned behaviour at recent matches and possible sanctions for such behaviour. Click here to read more.
Who’s Available?
Alan Browne and Brad Potts both limped off in Cardiff on Saturday, and the manager expects to be able to call upon skipper Browne, whereas a late decision will be made on Potts.
Duane Holmes won’t be available on Wednesday night, but he’s now back on the grass in training and may make Saturday's Lancashire derby against Blackburn Rovers.
Ched Evans saw a specialist on Monday to take a look at his knee and he may be absent for another few weeks yet.
Opposition Focus
After reaching the Play-Offs last season, Middlesbrough are one of many teams hovering outside the top six and looking to find a way in.
Their league form hasn’t quite reached the heights of last term, but Michael Carrick’s side enjoyed a superb run to the Carabao Cup semi-final where they lost out to Chelsea.
They will be quietly hopeful they’ll have enough to earn a place in the end-of-season lottery, especially with a number of players still to return from injury.
A Recent Clash
Jordan Storey scored a last-gasp winner for North End last time Boro were at Deepdale in October 2022.
Follow The Action
Supporters worldwide can watch this fixture live on iFollow PNE for just £10.
Live commentary is also available, with both match and monthly passes on sale. Guy Clarke and David Buchanan are on duty.
You can also follow extensive coverage of the fixture across the club’s social media channels and here on the website.
Match Officials
Referee: Mr T Harrington
Assistant Referees: Darren Cann and Derek Eaton
Fourth Official: Anthony Backhouse
Tony Harrington will take charge of a PNE fixture for the first time since April 2022, when PNE came out 2-1 winners over Queens Park Rangers.
North End have had varying success with Harrington as referee over the years, but notable wins include a 12-11 penalty shootout victory over Oldham Athletic in the EFL Trophy back in 2014.
So far this season, Harrington has shown 50 yellow cards and two reds in 12 matches.