Football: North End drop points

PRESTON NORTH END'S chances of accompanying Fulham out of the Second Division by the automatic route took a knock last night when they were held 2-2 at Wigan, a side they could end up facing in the play-offs.

Twice behind, Preston hit back quickly each time, but with Walsall winning at Bournemouth they allowed the Saddlers to take over as favourites for second place. The game at Springfield Park made a sparkling start with Andy Liddell putting the home side ahead in two minutes, only for Colin Murdock to equalise a minute later. Then seven minutes before the interval Simon Haworth restore Wigan's lead, but David Eyres struck straight back.

The bottom club, Macclesfield, are also showing signs of saving themselves, two goals from Stephen Payne earning a 2-0 win against Chesterfield at Moss Rose, the Cheshire side's second successive home win.