RORY PRENDERGAST'S last appearance in front of the television cameras is one he would rather forget.

The 24-year-old had a big build up on Sky TV for the Conference opener in August between Accrington Stanley and Aldershot after some dazzling displays in pre season.

However, the winger was hiding a family secret and was unable to make an impression on the game. His grandma had just died and the former Barnsley trainee admitted it hit him hard.
"It affected me in the first four games of the season. I took it badly. I shouldn't have played against Aldershot but it was the first game of the season and I didn't want to miss it. And there was all the hype.

"But I shouldn't have even travelled down, and I was relieved when I was brought off. It looked tactical because Jamo had been sent off but I would have been substituted anyway. I struggled for the first four games, I found it difficult to concentrate.

"But I couldn't afford to miss them - for myself and it was important for the lads. It was still on my mind but it is out of the way now."

Prendergast hopes to turn on a better show against Third Division Huddersfield in the FA Cup first round a week on Sunday with the BBC cameras beaming down. And he may be Yorkshire born and bred but he wants Lancashire to come out on top in this one.

"I guess it is a bit weird me being a Yorkshireman but they have Lancastrians playing for them. I just want to do well for Accrington. The big thing is not to freeze in front of the TV cameras but it is such a big thing. Everyone will be tuning in."

Prendergast is keen to rediscover the form he showed in the pre season when he won rave reviews.

"I started off in great form in pre season, especially against Burnley. I am not there yet but I am getting there," admitted Prendergast.

And his aim is to get 10 goals this season - he has two so far, hitting the target against Leigh RMI and Northwich Victoria.

"I obviously want to score more goals. I have had a couple of chances in the last few games. I am getting into the positions, I just need to finish them off. But saying that, I think I may have made around 10 of our 26 league goals so far and I am happy with that. After that, scoring myself is just a bonus. I would like ten by the end of the season though - that is what I am aiming for."

While there is all the talk of the FA Cup, the wing wizard is determined to stand firm.

"It is just nice to be there in the FA Cup - but it is important we treat it as just another Conference game. That is how I am going to look at it - although it will be a full-house, there will be a lot of attention and it will be different! It is really good for the club. But first we have Gravesend and that is the most important thing.

"I am not going to think about Huddersfield until after that. We have got to stick together and make sure everyone keeps their heads - three points at Gravesend on Saturday is important."