Brown is looking for the great esacpe and the entrance music was changed to reflect that as both sides cam out to the iconic movie tune. However, it inspired neither side as the first half passed without incident save for one routine shot that Iain Turner dealt with comfortable.
The game needed a goal and the second half was lit up when Keith Treacy curled in a thirth yard free kick which evaded the visitors defence and keeper to nestle in the back of the net.
In truth Preston were lucky to hold onto their lead. Sheff Utd created a move thanks to Eddie Johnson who had his worst game by far for North End. Sheff Utd broke down the left and a perfect cross was slotted into the box only for the striker to blast onto the bar from less than six yards out when it was easier to score.
The game then became more open and Treacy hit the post from another free kick before the visitors responded and hit the woodwork form a long range shot.
Preston then doubled their lead as Treacy swung in a corner which was cleared back out to the winger. He then swung a right foot shot in which rifled into the net.
The Whites looked comfortable but then moments later they invited the visitors to waltz through their defence and slice home a daisy cutter past Turner from the edge of the box.
The visitors then came forward looking for the equaliser but Preston managed to clinch the game on the break at the death. Hume played in substitute Ellington who slotted home for his second Preston goal in stoppage time.
North End remain 23rd in the league but with Scunthorpe winning at Palace, Preston now are only four points off the London club and six points off Doncaster who also lost with four games to play.
Doncaster and Palace both play each other on Good Friday so whatever the result, Preston will have the chance to cut the gap further on one of the two clubs when they run out next Saturday evening against Millwall in front of the Sky cameras.