Sedgewick, Pugh and Pergl were asked to play in midfield but at times were engulfed in the firts half as Southampton with a strong wind behind them looked to attack at will.
Preston were hanging on by a thread as they were cut open on several occassions only for Lonergan to save the day. Funnilt enough against the run of play a Nugent flick on led to Neil Mellor stabbing home for his first goal from close range just before half time giving the Whites the lead.
Southampton equalised shortly after the break as Gareth Bale watched by Sir Alex Ferguson had a rasping shot which Lonergan could only parry for Southampton to bundle over the line although the striker looked distinctly offside from the stands - the tv may prove different.
With Ricketts no wplaying on the right wing, Agyemang came on for the tyring Mellor and he change dthe game. His pace worried Southampton and he ran at the defence to set up Nugent who rounded the last man before cooly slotting home left footed past the keeper.
Preston then added a third when a move down the left appeared to be converted into the net by a Southampton defender.
Preston now have several games against struggling teams such as Hull, Burnley, Leeds, QPR and Southend before they face their only remaining fixture against a top eight side - Birmingham at Deepdale on the last day of the season.