After just ten minutes North End played a long ball up which Danny Dichio flicked on. David Nugent used his pace to get past last defender Loovens and was gunning down on the goalkeeper for a shot when he was brought down by Loovens. After consultation with his assistant the referee sent off Loovens. The resulting free kick was wasted.
North End failed to take advantage before they gave away a strange free kick deep in the Cardiff half. Nugent complained to the asisstant and the referee booked the forward. Only seconds later the under 21 international went in for a clear 50/50 ball. The striker got a toe on the ball before the man but the Cardiff defender fell to the floor. The referee was quick to show a second yellow to the amazement of the crowd and Nugent left the field knowing he will miss Tuesday nights clash with West Brom.
Cardiff continued to fall to the floor at every opportunity in a bid to slow down the game. Agyemang and Hill cam eon at half time and Preston became a more attacking force. Within two minutes a neat passing move ended up with Agyemang turning and shooting past the starnded Cardiff keeper to give Preston the lead.
The lead was soon cancelled out when a ball over the top ended up with Chopra. The Cardiff forward who looked seemingly half a yard offside then proceeded to handle the ball laying it into his path before firing past Nash. The assitant who noticed the Cardiff sending off and helped in Nugent's first yellow card was only ten yards away from the action but missed a clear offside and handball. All protests were in vein.
North End continued forward with Whaley looking a threat causing the Cardiff keeper to save before late on Sedgwick broke down the right putting in a perfect looping ball home for Danny Pugh to nod home for his first Preston goal.
The league leaders were toppled and Preston must now build on the confidence that they have from only losing one league game so far this season.