At least it will be over one way or the other next Saturday at Bristol City

On March 15, we scored a late goal against Portsmouth to win and reach the 47-point mark after 38 games.

- writes TIM MERCER

In my report I noted how important this win was, given we'd been bleeding points that had eroded our long-standing and comfortable 12-point cushion from the relegation places.

Even with the win the gap was eight points but, given that just one more win in the remaining eight matches would get us to the magical 50-point tally, I was confident our Championship status would be readily maintained.

Roll on to Saturday and match 45. Somehow, North End had conspired to throw away at least two victories in the sequence following Portsmouth, hadn't achieved a single win and came onto the pitch at Deepdale with only 49 points in the bag.