Preston could have closed the gap on Palace to two points but now have to win their remaining three games to have any chance of survival and even if they manage that they will only end up on 48 points.
It says enough when Turner was Preston's best player with Eddie Johnson was the most lively outfield player. North End ended the game with a midfielder at right back, aright back at left back and a young kid playing alongside a poor Craig Morgan.
The Whites showed little in the way of forward adventure in the first half, seemingly trying to keep it tight for a charge in the second half. However, things changed just before half time when on loan Khumalo who has been solid at the back limped off which is probably the last we will see of him.
Moments later, Turner was fouled by Ward at a corner but the referee failed to blow and Darren Purse nodded home from a yard out. It was a clear free kick but don't get me wrong if Millwall hadn't scored then they would have scored at some point during the game.
Seconds later it was two as a thirty yard stunner landed in the back of the net as the Preston defence now featuring Bailey Wright failed to press the Millwall second team frontline.
The second half was no better with Millwall's third perhaps a little fortunate but the fourth before the hour was just comical. Morgan, Welsh international failed to clear with a routine header leaving the Millwall forward one on one with the keeper who could only pull the frontman down. The penalty was converted.
Phil Brown gave up the ghost taking off both Hulme and Brown bearing in mind that Preston had a game against Cardiff in less than 48 hours. Due to the fixtures of others Preston still do have a chance but realistically if Khumalo is out then Preston's defence will get ripped apart by Bellamy and Co on Monday which no doubt will bring the suffering of this season to an end.