Manchester City returned to winning ways today as a 3-2 home victory over Preston restored their three-point lead at the top of the English first division. Preston went ahead two minutes into the second half when Jon Macken broke from halfway, outpaced the chasing defenders and slotted past Nicky Weaver.
City were level within two minutes, however, Shaun Wright-Phillips arriving at the far post to score after a corner, and they went ahead following another corner in the 56th minute when Steve Howey shot home from close range. City made sure of the points in the 73rd minute with a goal from Paulo Wanchope as Iain Anderson's last minute effort came too late to help Preston. City now have 64 points, three clear of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
West Bromwich Albion move up to third on 60 points after a first-half Danny Dichio header gave them a 1-0 home win over Norwich today while Watford beat struggling Grimsby 2-0. Paul Robinson put Watford ahead after 36 minutes and Gifton Noel-Williams grabbed the second a minute after the break.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
