The game may have turned out differently had Blackburn managed to retain elevn players on the pitch but the game took a dramatic swing early on with the sending off of Duffy for handball.
Preston went to five at the back. Cunningham played as an extra centre back with Wright and Clarke. Reach played as a wing back with Woods on the opposite side. Browne returned to the side in midfield with Gallagher and Pearson. Garner returened from suspension to partner Hughill up front.
Blackburn started the brighter and controlled the game for the first twenty minutes. The home side took the lead from a corner. Preston have recently become a little stringent from set pieces and allowed a free header.
The keeper managed to flick the ball onto the bar but it rebounded straight to Ward who blasted home. It was a deserved lead at the time for Blackburn.
The game then changed shortly after. Hughill managed to get a shot away in the box and it was heading in. Duffy through himself across the line and stopped the ball with his hand according to the assistant.
Duffy was setn off and Garner scored the ensuing penalty to level the score. The 7,000 strong following went into raptures and the game had turned into the visitor's favour.
Preston took control and the lead just before the break. Gallagher found Hughill free in the box. He stuck his foot out to finish from close range and Preston were in charge.
North End had much of the ball in the second half but could not convert. The best chance came when substitute Berckford raced clear on goal but his left foot shot went narrowly wide and an oncoming Hughill could not get to the shot either.
Blackburn threw men forward towards the end but could not break down the Preston defence who held firm to complete their third away victory in derby games this season.