PRESTON 3 CARDIFF 0

JON PARKIN struck twice to set Preston up for a winning return home after conceding eight goals in two away defeats.

The powerful striker's second was driven in low and hard right-footed following a sharp turn inside the penalty area after 54 minutes, just two minutes after his side had been reduced to Gucci Watch 10 men. Midfielder Paul Coutts was sent off by ref Andy Hall for a second caution.

Parkin, now with 12 this season, had fired a 30th-minute penalty, disputed by Cardiff, who claimed Paul Quinn had been fouled by Ross Wallace before pushing his opponent.

Parkin hit the angle of bar and post before Chris Brown replaced him and chipped a third after 86 minutes.

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