League One play-offs: Beckford brace helps Preston crush Chesterfield

Preston North End are on course to finally break their play-off hoodoo at the 10th attempt (odds-on 8/11 promotion favourites with Coral), as classy front two Jermaine Beckford and Joe Garner were both on target in a handsome 3-0 home win in their League One semi-final second leg against Chesterfield.

This gave Simon Grayson’s side a 4-0 aggregate victory over the Spireites, and laid down a major marker for Wembley opponents Swindon Town or Sheffield United.

Garner converted a penalty sandwiched in between two sensational strikes from fellow Preston frontman Beckford in front of an adoring Deepdale crowd, securing the club’s first visit to the hallow turf since the national stadium was renovated.

Although Chesterfield centre backs Ivan Evatt and Sam Hird initially won their key battles, and North End goalie Sam Johnstone had to save with his feet from Sam Clucas, the hosts went ahead seven minutes before half-time

Garner’s knockdown from a long Preston punt upfield found Beckford, who held off his marker and hooked home superbly past emergency Spireites stopper Joe Murphy, loaned in to cover for injured number one Tommy Lee.

John Welsh and Paul Gallagher had to block late Chesterfield efforts to ensure North End went in ahead. On the hour mark, however, the hosts were gifted the chance to extend their lead when Murphy brought down Daniel Johnson, who began this season on loan with Paul Cook’s team.