Notts County 0-1 Preston North End

Well, so much for Wembley eh? Sadly, just as it seemed that the dream was coming close, it has been snuffed, as Preston North End secured a 1-0 win Notts County at Meadow Lane to the reach the Northern final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Simon Grayson's side took the lead on 20 minutes when Paul Huntington tapped in from close range following a scramble in the County box.

Roy Carroll was not happy, appearing to claim he was fouled in the build-up, but the goal stood.

Notts had chances to pull it back as Blair Adams charged down the left and teed up Michael Petrasso on the half-hour mark, but the on-loan winger saw his effort fly narrowly wide.

Preston could have doubled their lead when Jermaine Beckford found himself through on goal 10 minutes after the restart, but with just Carroll to beat the striker failed to make the most of the chance, and the Magpies cleared the danger.

Shaun Derry's side then had their best chance to get back into the game when Garry Thompson's flick on from a long ball sent Stephen McLaughlin clear of the Preston back line. However, he could only send his effort high and wide of Thorsten Stuckmann's goal.

Preston will now face Walsall in the northern final in the new year, while Notts are left to rue what might have been and give it their all in the league.