Simon Grayson put out what was probably his most attacking team since Preston returned to the Championship. Hughill was much needed in support of Doyle up front whilst Robinson and Mcgeady occupied the wings with Gallagher alongside the recalled Browne in the middle.
Preston had attacking options all over the pitch which showed as they looked to push Cardiff back early on. The visitors did have chances but Lindegaard was equal to everything thrown at him.
The Whites took the lead before the break. In this division it is the small things that change the bigger picture. The Cardiff keeper came out for the cross but was unable to gather under pressure from Clarke. The defender won the ball fairly, turned, and slammed home with his left foot.
On another day the referee may have given an unjust foul. The second soon followed and again the momentum was with the home side and against the visitors.
Robinson was played through in an attacking position facing the back line. His first touch was awful and the defender had an opportunity to come forward and take the ball but instead back tracked.
The forward steamed in and produced a wicked left foot shot which curled around the reach of the Cardiff keeper. Again, on another day the defender may have made the right decision but Preston were two up and cruising.
Cardiff came back into the game after the break but were unable to force a goal. Preston held strong and added a third before the end when Hughill cut in from the left curling a 20 yard shot into the top corner. His best goal to date.
North End jumped up the table to 18th and will now look forward to the away game at Brentford.