Coming To Cov - Preston North End

WHO ARE THEY?
North End Cricket and Rugby club formed a football section in 1879. Two years later,football became the main sport with their first game at home to Blackburn Rovers a few weeks later bringing a 16-0 drubbing. A decision was made to continue and the club affilliated to the Lancashire FA and played their first Football League game in Spetember 1888.

They won the League that season plus winning the FA Cup and the season after and were runners up for the following three seasons. They have also won Divsion Two on four occasions,Division Three twice and were Division Four runners up in 1986/87.

This is their third season in the Championship after missing out in the Play-offs last season.

PNE have appeared in seven FA Cup Finals winning two but have never got past the Fourth Round of the League Cup. Their record FA Cup victory is 26-0 v Hyde.

Their current manager is Paul Simpson who took over from Billy Davies in June.
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THEIR WEBSITE
http://www.pne.premiumtv.co.uk
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LAST MATCH
Coventry drew 1-1 at Derby whilst Preston were beaten 3-2 at home by Southend.
 
This is the 25th league and cup game between the two sides. The Sky Blues have won on eight occasions with eight draws.
 

Back in November,City put in a terrific display to get a 1-1 draw at Deepdale. David Nugent put the Lillywhites ahead in the 33rd minute when City kept battling and equalised eleven minutes from time through Dele Adebola.

In the corresponding fixture last season, Preston won 1-0 at the Arena thanks to a first half Simon Whalley goal.

Coventry are 15th in the table with Preston sixth.
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TEAM NEWS
Iain Dowie only has injuries to David McNamee and Don Hutchison. Colin Hawkins is again a concern after he sat out the draw at Derby. Michael Doyle is suspended for the game and the one at Sheffield Wednesday after picking up ten bookings.

For Preston, Lewis Neal and Frank Song'o could be added to the squad after good performances for Preston's reserve side. Matt Hill and Callum Davidson could be available for selection after recovering from injuries.
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ON THE GAME
Preston arrive at the Arena after a slump in results. Manager Paul Simpson has called for supporters to back him, his players and the board saying: "Everyone is looking for someone to blame at the moment. That's what happens in football when things aren't going well. "But the board have backed me all the way and they don't deserve to be given a hard time."
__________________________________________________________________________________________ MATCH OFFICIALS
The currently appointed referee is Pete Walton. His assistants are G.Atkins and R.Martin.  The fourth official is S.Bratt

Former Coventry Referees Association member Pete Walton who lives in Long Buckby was in charge for City's 2-1 win over Wolves on March 13th as well as last season's win at Stoke and draw at Derby. He has been in charge of 36 matches this season,dishing out 108 yellow cards and four red.
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MATCH DETAILS
Kick off is at 3pm.  Tickets are priced at  usual prices. Coaches for Preston fans have been reduced to £5. Special guests will be members of City's 1967 promotion winning side with manager Jimmy Hill likely to attend.
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WEATHER
A sunny day with temperatures just into the seventies is forecast.
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HOW TO GET THERE
By car: Leave the M6 at junction 3. Take the A444 towards the City centre and at the first island go left and you will see the Ricoh Arena on your right.

By rail: For all train information call National Rail Enquiries on: 08457 48 49 50, but be warned Coventry station is a £10+ taxi ride away. Take the 27 bus from the train station get off at Pool Meadow bus station and catch the 4 or 5 service. Or  go out of doors and over the road by Sainsburys and get the 20, getting off the by Tescos.
 
Parking: Car parking is extremely restricted around the ground. Supporters are advised that there is only park and ride site to the south of the city at the Jaguar car plant.

Coaches From Rugby.
The coaches from the Avon Mill in Newbold Road is running contact ian.moore3@tesco.net

Coaches From Kenilworth
For details please contact harry.bragginton@btinternet.com

Travel From London for Members of CCLSC
http://www.cclsc.co.uk/ 

AWAY SUPPORTERS PARKING
Car parking around the Ricoh Arena is strictly limited.

However, there is a designated away supporters car park, situated around five minutes walk away from the ground. The car park is secure and cost is £5 - but spaces are limited to just 100.

Directions: M6 to junction 3. Take 3rd exit if coming from north or 1st exit if travelling from the south. At the 2nd roundabout, take the 2nd exit, under the railway bridge, through the first set of traffic lights, and pass the pedestrian lights. At the next set of lights, turn right into Blackburn Road and the car park is at the top of the road.

SAT NAV
Some car satellite navigation systems have not been updated to show Coventry City FC as playing at the Ricoh Arena. Those visiting the ground for the first time are advised to enter "Phoenix Way"  and the post code "CV6 6GE" instead.