PRESTON North End rolled out their superstars at Lancaster - but the Dolly Blues dug oh so deep to earn a magnificent draw against the Championship outfit.

North End started the game with millions of pounds worth of talent on the field including the likes of Danny Dichio, David Nugent, Patrick Agemang, Paul McKenna, Youl Mawene and Dickson Etuhu.

Skipper Graham Alexander also played as Preston's small army of fans expected a walkover.

But against his old club Paul Sparrow was brilliant and along with Iain Swan snuffed out the threat from Preston's Premiership wannabees.

In fact, shining brighter than any of the North End luminaries was Steve Skinner, a giant in midfield throughout.

Skinner's passing and moving caused no end of panic for Preston - and his shooting also caused keeper Gavin Ward more anxious moments than he would have hoped for.

And when he crossed for Steve Jones an acrobatic overhead kick beat Ward only to bounce to safety off the crossbar.

Chances were at a premium after that with both sides making plenty of substitutions but the final whistle left City with the feeling of a job well done.

City: Yeomans, Uberschar, Scott, Sparrow, Swan, Bauress, Skinner, Rogan, Jones, Taylor, Thompson. Subs: Mahoney, Ariel, Clark, McMahon, Howson, Elderton, Sullivan, Black.