Preston defender Greg Cunningham downs former club Bristol City with late winner
Greg Cunningham volleyed home an 80th-minute winner against his old club as Preston won 2-1 at Sky Bet Championship strugglers Bristol City.
The wing-back made a sweet connection with Paul Gallagher's left-wing corner, which City allowed to reach him at the far post, as North End recorded a third successive Championship win.
The visitors took the lead in the 54th minutes when Gallagher crossed from the left and Joe Garner competed with City defender Nathan Baker in an aerial duel. It was not clear who got the final touch but the ball arrowed into the top corner of the net.
The lead lasted less than two minutes as Aaron Wilbraham fired home the equaliser from eight yards after Aden Flint had controlled a Mark Little cross.
After that a previously dull game opened up and Jonathan Kodjia might have snatched a last-gasp leveller for City only for his header to hit a post.
City gave a debut to 27-year-old goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell, whose signing on loan from Wigan until the end of the season was announced only an hour and a half before kick-off.
However, he and opposite number Sam Johnstone were virtual spectators in a dire first half devoid of goalmouth action.
The first shot from either side came after 28 minutes when Preston's Gallagher let fly from 25 yards and saw his low effort pass a yard wide.
By then City's Luke Ayling had been booked for a late challenge on former team-mate Cunningham as the hosts tried without success to breach an organised Preston rearguard.
Joe Bryan's angled drive wide of the near post after 34 minutes was the only first-half effort at goal from Steve Cotterill's side, who left the field at the interval to jeers from their own fans.
Gallagher sent another long-range effort straight at O'Donnell, but the opening 45 minutes ended with both defences having dominated.
Preston kept particularly close tabs on City wing-backs Little and Bryan, leaving their opponents to probe unsuccessfully down the centre of the pitch.
The home side began the second half more positively, but Kodjia's volley brought a comfortable save from Johnstone.
Then came Garner's goal and suddenly the shackles were released from both teams. Shortly after his equaliser, Wilbraham had another low shot brilliantly saved by Johnstone at full stretch.
At the other end Daniel Johnson broke clear for Preston with a glorious chance to restore their lead. But with only O'Donnell to beat his low shot came back off a post.
Now it was end to end and City substitute Bobby Reid forced another superb save from Johnstone with a curling shot from the edge of the box. Kodjia's late header was the last chance of a game that left City deep in trouble.
Source: PA
