Here we are, once again, Preston North End find themselves fading away from a play-off challenge after building up so much promise.

Under Paul Heckingbottom, the Lilywhites have been one of the Championship’s surprise packages this season, going from certain relegation favourites to competing at the top end of the division.

Claiming scalps such as Sheffield United, Southampton, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town who have fallen to the brilliant counter-attacking football the Whites have displayed.

The comeback against the Blades was truly significant, coming back from 2-0 down at home to win 3-2 was something that we haven’t seen from a North End team for a long while, particularly the character and manner that was conducted from the players that evening.

There was a brush of confidence and resolute that they knew they were going to get themselves back into the match, denying Chris Wilder’s side an easy win and the title that the Blades were “coming back” after a dismal season.

It was very reminiscent of the Alex Neil side from 2017-18 side who went toe-to-toe with everyone in the league and nearly found themselves intruding into the top-six, only for Derby County to...