Simon Grayson: 'FA Cup replay not ideal'

Preston North End manager Simon Grayson has admitted that they could have done without an FA Cup fourth-round replay to add to their busy schedule.

The Lancashire Outfit drew 1-1 with League One rivals Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon, and the two teams will now have to go again on February 3.

Grayson's side are chasing promotion and also have a Football League Trophy second leg against Walsall on Tuesday.

"There was a lot at stake with both teams wanting to get into the next round who both know each other very well," he told the club's website.

"Unfortunately we've added another game to the schedule, but you'd rather still be in the Cup on Monday night then out of it."

He added: "Overall, there was some good performances - it was a real cup tie in terms of tackles, and blocks - it had everything to be fair, and it was a great game for everybody to watch. We started the game extremely well – we were on the front foot, passed the ball well and caused them all sorts of problems."

Preston are currently fourth in the League One table, seven points adrift of the automatic promotion places.