After a disappointing end to the season with defeat at Colchester, the Whites picked themselves up fairly quickly with two games int he space of four days against Chesterfield.
On Thursday night Preston travelled to Chesterfield who finished a significant margin in terms of points behind the Whites. Preston took the lead early on thanks to a through ball from the right. Garner was fouled in the build up but Beckfors was in space so the referee allowed play to continue. He chipped the keeper to give Preston the lead and continued his astonishing scoring run since returning from injury.
Preston had the best of the opening period but could not double their lead. Before the break Chesterfield realised they could not compete and tackles started to fly in with Evatt being at the centre of some nasty stuff. A half time scuffle ensued and even after the break Welsh was left pole axed off the ball.
Chesterfield couldn't score as Johnstone kept the home side out so Preston returned to Deepdale on Sunday with a slender one goal advantage.
The second leg saw Preston battle through after a testy opening. Chestrfield had the first major chance with Johnstone saving a one on one opportunity but after that the home side took control.
Beckford scored on the turn after a flick on from Garner just before the break. The finish was exquisite and put the home side firmly ont he front foot.
Murphy who was an emergency loan in goal for the visitors then raced out of his goal to trip Daniel Johnson when it seemed there was no need with the midfielder going away from goal. Garner converted the penatly.
Just before the end of the game Beckford broke away across the half way line noticing Murphy off his line. Beckfors slipped as he shot but the ball flew into the net from around 45 yards. Preston claimed a 4-0 victory over the two legs.
A pitch invasion ensued and the only sour note was an alleged assualt to Chesterfield player Ian Evatt. It is understood that a man has been arrested in connection with this.
The final will take place at Wembley on 24 May where Preston will face either Swindon or Shefield United who play in their second leg semi final tonight with Swindon having a 2-1 advantage.