Alex Neil made changes with Daniel Johnson returning to midfield whilst Woods was given his first start in over a year replacing the injured Fisher at right back.
Preston were poor in the first half and made Birmingham look a decent outfit. Birmingham took advantage of Preston especially down Preston's right hand side defensively.
Woods looked short of match pace and at times was beaten for pace. Huntington had to cover and Maguire was shown up for a lack of defensive capabilities including the goal.
Birmingham took the lead when Maguire was left exposed down the right hand side of the box. He was easily turned before Colin shot from an acute angle beating Maxwell at the near post. The home side had looked threatening.
Preston did create a chance before the end of the half when Harrop put Hugill clean through only for the £8 million rated man to scuff his shot wide of the post.
North End were a different team in the second half wth more purpose and attacking intent. They had a couple of chances before they eventually opened the scoring.
Johnson surged forward from midfield. He had a heavy touch but the Birmingham back line hesitated and went back instead of attempting to win the ball. This allowed Johnson to run to the edge of the box where he curled in a magnificent effort past the keeper.
The home side then collapse and looked like a side who were under pressure having not won in several games. It was all Preston and the game was soon over.
Hugill atoned for his earlier miss when he was played through into the box. He shot from an angle with the ball taking a deflection leaving the keeper helpless.
There were gaps appearing everywhere on the pitch and Preston exploited this. A ball was played to Maguire who was given space in the box. He slid across to Barkhuizen who tapped into the empty net.
Preston were unable to add to their tally but looked the side most likely. Harry Redknapp parted company with Birmingham after the game as the Whites moved to within two points of the league leaders.
The team showed aptitude and attiude to come back from a goal down which was never really seen under Simon Grayson apart from in exceptional circumstances. It bodes well for the resr of the season ahead.