Due to the amount of games in such a short space of time and poor performance in midweek against Millwall changes were made. Fisher returned although he didn't complete the game and appears to have sustained further injury.
Gallagher came into midfield whilst Harrop and Stockley were also given starts. It turned out that the attacking changes were not the problem but defensively Preston were poor.
It took just over a minute for Birmingham to take the lead. They attacked down the right. Rudd came off his line and could only parry the ball. Birmingham had bodies forward and Preston were simply unable to clear their lines as McGree slid home.
The visitors looked like they were going to add to their lead until the game changed with a magnificent strike from Stockley. From out of nowhere Stockley volleyed home from 25 yards out to level the scores.
Preston then took the upper hand. Bauer had a header on goal and Browne flicked a shot towards goal when in reality he had time to turn and shoot at goal.
In the second half North End still had attacking purpose. Barkhuizen had a shot at goal which the keeper kept out. It seemed Preston were on top.
Birmingham did have a header ruled out for offside but late on they did take the lead. The visitors were allowed to put in an unchallenged cross. Storey and Bauer, much like the Chuckle brothers saying to me to you, decided to leave Gardner unmarked in the box to head home from close range.
Defensively Preston were too easy to break down. It was basic defending for both goals and this is something that should be addressed without the need for drastic investment.
Barkhuizen had a shot well saved late on and attacking wise it was probably the best Preston have played at home but sadly it was defensively where North End fell well short.
Rudd and Hughes also appeared to pick up injuries with the latter hobbling around for the last ten minutes of the game in addition to Fisher who went off. This will not help with a game on Wednesday.
Alex Neil will now face serious questions as Preston have now lost their first five home games in a row. The away form has saved the season so far but they face high flying Reading on Wednesday.