Two home wins in the space of four days against two of the pre-season favourites has catapulted Preston into the Championship promotion race. Cardiff and West Bromwich Albion have both left Deepdale without a point after Patrick Agyemang inspired Paul Simpson's men to six points. His scissor kick against Albion is already a contender for goal of the season and they face a potentially explosive fixture against Derby this weekend. Former North End manager Billy Davies left Deepdale in the summer to take over at Pride Park and his current charges will face an acid test against this rampant Preston team. Matt Hill produced another solid performance at the back onTuesday as he kept Kevin Phillips and John Hartson in check before Agyemang delivered his moment of magic. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson caught up with Hill ahead of this weeks' short trip to Derby for his thoughts on Preston's rise.
Q:HAVE THE PLAYERS NOW ADAPTED TO PAUL SIMPSON'S STYLE OF PLAY AFTER THREE MONTHS IN CHARGE?
A:In training and in games it is all starting to click, as he is bringing in his own ideas, which are a lot different to Billy Davies. It was a little bit difficult for him to get his points across but I think it is all starting to click .now. The lads are working well in training and it is starting to show on the pitch.
Q:YOU HAVE SNEAKED INTO THE PROMOTION FRAME ON THE BLIND SIDE - JUST LIKE LAST SEASON REALLY?
A:We are doing okay and quietly going about our job. I think last year no-one mentioned Preston when we were up there with the likes of Leeds and Crystal Palace and I think we would like to keep it that way. There are still so-called bigger clubs than us so it's not that difficult (to stay in the shadows). We have had a nice little run, which breeds confidence for the lads, but I still think people concentrate on other teams more than Preston Norht End.
Q:HOW HAS YOUR OWN SEASON GONE SO FAR?
A:I have been a bit disappointed personally with the start to the season. I had a little problem with the groin at the start of the season but I was pleased gainst West Brom with the way we all played defensively. With the way we dealt with two possible Premiership players (Phillips and Hartson) and kept them at bay. You can't say West Brom won't be there or thereabouts as they have a lot of Premiership players and a lot of players to come back. They have a quality defender (CurtisDavies) who has yet to come back and play. They are definitely going to be up there and you can see the power they have got in the strike force and have the luxury of Nathan Ellington on the bench.
Q:WHAT WAS YOUR VIEW OF PATRICK AGYEMANG'S INCREDIBLE GOAL AGAINST ALBION?
A:That was a one-off. Pat has always got something in his locker to do something special. Oviously he has proved it with that goal. We were all gobsmacked the way he took it and it was either going in or taking someone's head off! It was fantastic. He reckons he has done it before in a youth team game, but we can all say that! He performed it excellently.
Q:HIS FORM COULD GIVE PAUL SIMPSON A SELECTION HEADACHE WHEN DAVE NUGENT RETURNS FROM SUSPENSION AT DERBY?
A:With his pace, skill and strength, Pat can create things out of nothing, which is why he is such a vital player for us. In the last couple of games the impact he has made is fantastic and hopefully he will continue. The manager will be rubbing his hands with the problem on Saturday as Dave Nugent is coming back. Managers love to be in that sort of position. It is nice to have that sort of squad we have players like Nugent to come in.
