Preston manager Billy Davies said their play-off semi-final win over Derby was their just rewards for a season of hard work and endeavour at Deepdale.
Davies said: "It's been hard work, right from the start, very patient stuff from the players all season long.

"It's a very proud day for Preston and we've worked hard for it. We've beaten a good side, we're going to Cardiff and it'll be a great day for Preston.

"I thought it was a disciplined display and we defended very well."

He added: "We didn't pass the ball as much as we should have but we deserved what we got in the end.

"I came in with the intention of getting 53 points to stay up, then you look for a top-half finish, so credit to the players and the staff for getting us this far.

"And credit too must go to (former coach) Craig Brown, as he started things off here and we won't forget that."

But Davies has already begun to try and take the pressure of his side ahead of the play-off final against West Ham at the Millennium Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday.

We are not expected to win. We are in bonus land and we will go there and have a right go

Billy Davies

"We have got nothing to lose, whereas West Ham are expected to be there as they are a Premiership club in terms of resources and facilities," he said.

"What we have achieved this season has been nothing short of a miracle when you look at the wage bill, the size of the squad and the expectations.

"For Preston North End to be in the play-off final, considering the financial constraints we have to operate under, is a marvellous achievement.

"We are not expected to win and when you look at the size of West Ham as a club - and the expectations that follow them - then they will be strong favourites. But we are in bonus land and we will go there and have a right go."

And Davies says his side will take a great deal of confidence from the fact they have twice beaten the Hammers in the league this season.

He said: "We have showed we can match West Ham, so we will go there with the belief we can beat them.

"We will respect West Ham, but we will not fear them and I think my players have the ability and the belief to beat them. We have done it before and we can do it again, and I think all the pressure will be on them."