Pearson relishing play-offs

Pearson: Relishing play-offs

Related links

Teams

• Leicester City
• Preston North End

Also see

• Championship video highlights
• Championship fixtures
• Championship table
• Championship stats

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson is eagerly anticipating the Championship play-offs following the Foxes' 1-0 win at Preston.

Andy King scored the only goal of the game at Deepdale to leave Leicester out of seven-placed Swansea's reach, meaning they still have a chance of back-to-back promotions.

The Foxes have exceeded the expectations at the start of the season and Pearson was delighted with the effort of his players.

"I can't praise the players enough, they deserved this for all their hard work this season," he said.

"It was always going to be a really tough game against Preston, but I thought we coped with them well and could have probably scored more goals.

"We knew a win would make sure of that play-off place, but I still want the players to keep working to make sure we finish the season strongly.

"It's exciting times for the club, but there's still plenty of hard work for us. It's going to a real test for everyone, but one which we're all looking forward to."

Preston reaction

For Preston it was defeat but North End have nothing more to play for this term.

Manager Darren Ferguson was unhappy to lose, but says it is always difficult to motivate a side when there is no desperate need for a result.

"It's disappointing to lose, but it's hard when there's not a lot to play for this season," he reflected.

"I thought we gave it a really good go, but it was a disappointing goal to concede.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game because they (Leicester) could make sure of their play-off place, but I thought we had a couple of decent chances.

"It's a shame we didn't stick any of them away.

"Hopefully we can get another win in our last game, it will be nice to finish the season with a good performance for our supporters."