Defender cleared of blame

Last updated : 07 October 2002 By BantamsMAD

Cresswell crashed into advertising boards during Saturday's game after a challenge with Uhlenbeek and the incident sparked angry scenes - Cresswell's team-mate Ricardo Fuller had to be restrained as he tried to get at Uhlenbeek.

Fuller was sent off but Preston are considering an appeal.

However, Preston boss Craig Brown refused to point the finger at Uhlenbeek: "Richard seemed to be pushed into the hoardings but it wasn't malicious.

"I'm not faulting the opponent, it's a natural thing to do to help the other player on his way with the momentum they had," said the PNE manager.

"I'm not apportioning blame because things like that happen in football matches."

Cresswell was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary where he had stitches put in his mouth. He was well enough to travel home on the PNE team coach afterwards.