THe first halfhour was a bit bitty with both sides unable to force any superiority on the game. The match then turned after a Preston attack broke down. The ball was cleared by the Cardiff keeper when there was an altercation in the box which saw Wallace end up on the floor. THe linesman flagged, a penalty was given but strangely no card was shown.
Parkin slotted home the penalty and Preston were comfortable for the remaining 15 minutes of the half. They started the second half with an intention to double their lead as Parkin headed against the bar.
Coutts was then sent off for a second bookable offence as he pulled back a Cardiff player. However, within seconds a ball into the box saw Parkin swivel and bang in a second.
Cardiff looked to use their man advantage with Lonergan saving on at least one occassion. The game then was put beyond doubt in an absurd moment of madness. The Cardiff keeper under no pressure but out wide fluffed his kick which rolled to Chris Brown who scored from a very acute angle to finish the game.