Cardiff were undefeated and leading the league before Tuesday evening's game at Deepdale. Storm Aileen created a wet and windy night for Cardiff but they were blown away by a Preston performance which was the best so far this season.
Davies returned at centre back for Spurr. Perason and Johnson were still out so Browne partnered returning Welsh in midfield whilst Harrop, Barkhuizen and Maguire supported Hugill.
Preeston had a number of chances throughout the night but opened the scoring before half time. Hugill was pulled down outside of the box. Harrop curled in the free kick past the keeper in the far corner.
North End cold have been out of sight before they scored the second. The final ball or poor finishing including one free header from Huntington after a corner caused some nerves.
The second did arrive eventually. Barkhuizen is proving a handful this season and his mazy run saw him enter the box where he found Maguire. It seeme the Irishman may have continued for too long but he managed to squeeze in his effort.
The third came soon after as the Cardiff keeper made a poorclearance which ended up at the feet of Browne in the centre circle. He took an instintive shot from 45 yards out which flew in past the keeper.
The victory was deseved and Preston managed to score more than one in a game whih was a slight concern before kick off. Preston rise to fifth and will attempt to kep pace with the early leadres at Birmingham on Saurday.