Burley demands winning away day

Derby manager George Burley will demand victory from his players in the first leg of their play-off with Preston – even though he expects the tie to be far from over after the trip to Deepdale.

Burley’s men recorded a 3-1 home victory over Preston yesterday to ink themselves into the play-offs on the final day of the regular Coca-Cola Championship season.

The victory allowed Derby to leap above Preston and into fourth place, with Preston finishing the campaign in fifth.

And the result means Preston and Derby are now to be pitted against each other as play-off semi-finalists, with the first leg arranged for Deepdale on Sunday and the second leg for Pride Park on Thursday week.

“Going away for the first leg does not matter to us,” said Burley. “Nothing will be decided that day.

“But both clubs will be looking for a win on the day because we certainly won’t be going to Preston looking for a draw.

“But whatever happens on Sunday, everything will be decided when we play at Pride Park the following Thursday.”