After two very disappointing performances Preston stunned promotion chasing Bournemouth with a win and three well worked goals in the process.
Neil reverted to a back four as the suspended Browne and Rafferty returned to the full back positions. Maguire was given a start up front as the lone striker.
Preston took the lead in the first half with a well worked goal. The home side had an attack stopped and Preston broke quickly through Sinclair. He played an incisive pass through to Johnson who sprinted down the left before crossing to Barkhuizen who tapped home.
Bournemouth looked to come out and dominate in the second half but were soon stunned when the ball came to Sinclair 35 yards out. He saw the keeper off his line and lobbed the ball into the back of the net. It was a sensational finish.
North End made it three from a free kick. A well worked routine saw Sinclair and Johnson link up and a ball across the box found Bauer who tapped home.
The hosts came back into the game with a stunning free kick from Stanislas before a cross from the left found Surridge in space to nod home. It was a nervy end but Preston held on to win 3-2.
Bauer looked to suffer from a serious injury just before the end and it is unclear how long he will now be out for with games coming thick and fast.
Neil will be glad of the points but he needs this type of performance to be replicated at home if Preston are to start climbing up the table towards the top places.