Preston 2-0 Bristol City: Ross Wallace is the man for Preston

Preston striker Stephen Elliott has urged Alan Irvine to make Ross Wallace his first signing when the transfer window opens in January.

Wallace, who is on loan from Sunderland, was outstanding against Bristol City, laying on the first goal for Elliott before wrapping up the points.

And with Preston in contention for a play-off spot, Elliott believes the former Celtic winger could hold the key to his side's promotion chances.

Elliott said: "Over the last few weeks he's really come into his own and he's been in great form. I'd love to see him sign."

North End had goalie Andy Lonergan to thank for keeping them in the game early on, with a string of fine saves to deny Michael McIndoe.

Elliott turned the game within five minutes of replacing the injured Neil Mellor, darting in front of his marker to finish a cross from Wallace.

Former Wolves striker Elliott could have helped himself to a second-half hat-trick, either side of a deflected 55th-minute strike from Wallace.

Elliott said: "I'm a bit disappointed because I know I could have had a few more."

North End are now unbeaten in five and this latest victory has lifted them back into the top six.

However, boss Irvine has banned his men from mentioning promotion around Deepdale. "We don't mention the 'P' word because it's such a hard division," he said.

"There are so few points between everybody, you only need to lose a few and you're back down in mid-table again."

City boss Gary Johnson refused to make excuses as his team went missing in the fog. He said: "I'd love to be able to blame the weather but the ref was right to get the game on. It's not quite going for us at the moment.

"A little bit of luck and quality is missing."

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