Mckenna and Whaley were out injured - both expected to be back for New Years Day. Ormerod started up front in the absence of suspended striker Dichio whilst Miller faced his contracted club with Sedgewick playing out wide. Callum Davidson - yes it's true - played a full ninety minutes in central midfield.
Neugent scored from an Ormerod cross after he was put through on the wing by Davidson. Preston had chances to double their lead with Matt Hill, excellent again shot instead of crossing to Nugent. The striker also was put through but adjuged offside in what seemed to be a harsh decision.
Sunderland came out well in the second half but woeful fininshing on several occassions meant Preston escaped. The home side eventually ran out of steam and Preston collected all three points and after Boxing day it was a relatively clean game.