Williamson Appeal Turned Down

Williamson was dragged down by Lee Bowyer in an incident which appeared to be instigated by the Birmingham midfielder. Williamson seemed to be the innocent party but both players were shown a red card despite commentator Don Goodman feeling Williamson had been harshly treated at St Andrews.

Preston today appealed the decision which was turned down effectively meaning that the FA backed up Phil Dowd's assessment that Williamson had commited an act of violent conduct. Heaven help the FA if they ever have to look at some serious contact stuff.

Williamson now faces the standard three game ban meaning he will miss North End's final league game of the season. If North End fail to make the play offs then Williamson will miss the first two games of next season - whereever he maybe as he is only on loan from Watford at present. If Preston make the play offs and Williamson is kept on loan then he will miss both legs of the semi-final.

Preston will now be without the suspended Wallace and Williamson for the visit of QPR on Sunday. Whaley and Carter are likely to deputise with Nicholson recovering from a rib injury and only set to be back in contention if Preston make the post season knockout.