In what was described as a good game with colchester dominating the second half a Richards goal sent Preston the way of most of the visitors this season at Colchester.
The result was even worst as Birmingham lost at home to bottom club Southend whilst money bags Derby go six points clear at the top of the table.
Preston do not have the spending power of other clubs shown by one loan signing in the transfer window but with a tough trip to Sheffield at the weekend Preston could find themselves deep in the play off mire by the time they return to Deepdale. Birmingham have two games in hand and are unlikely to slip up again with Derby looking menacing thanks to a slender win over Burnley.
Preston have now ominously lost more games this season than in the previous two - six of them away at Norwich, Burnley, Luton, Birmingham, West Brom and Colchester.