Shine on, United promise continues their outstanding performances in the Championship

The 20-year-old, who spoke to club media recently about his spell at Lancashire, returned to play the full 90 minutes in England's second division for Ryan Lowe's side.

PNE are still looking to sneak into the top six of the Championship before the end of the season and Fernandez set up Everton loan Tom Cannon for the first goal of the game, taking his assist tally to six for 2022/23, in his 37th appearance.

Brad Potts scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to guarantee a third successive win, only keeping the Deepdale side below local rivals Blackburn Rovers in sixth on goal difference. Both teams meet on Saturday April 22 in what could be a decisive clash.

Elsewhere, striker Amad played the full 90 minutes as Sunderland beat Cardiff City 1-0 away from home. Three days after the Black Cats' riveting 4-4 draw with Hull City, Dennis Cirkin's 60th-minute strike proved pivotal, with Tony Mowbray's side just four points out of the play-offs now.

Activity of other players on loan

Remaining in the Championship, Ethan Laird was an unused substitute as QPR picked up a valuable point in a 2-2 draw at West Bromwich Albion, and Hannibal also failed to feature in Birmingham City's 0-0 draw with Stoke City. Axel Tuanzebe did not participate in the Potters' matchday squad.