Despite both sides having chances, it was Cardiff City winger Sheyi Ojo who struck the only goal of the game. The strike was Ojo's first in over a year, bringing his barren spell to an end in the best possible fashion. Outstanding defensive performances from Michael Morrison and Sol Bamba withstood a late Preston barrage, as the Bluebirds return to Wales with all three points.
Story of the game:
Both sides had mixed form coming into the match, and it resulted in a cagey opening half at Deepdale.
Cardiff took the lion's share of possession, with Preston content to sit deep and launch swift, direct counter attacks. The first clear chance of the game fell to Bluebirds winger Junior Hoillett, who was unable to profit from a Kieffer Moore knock down.
Preston's direct approach almost bore fruit shortly after, as good work from Scott Sinclair found Sean Maguire. However, the striker's shot from the edge of the box was well held by Alex Smithies.
An injury to Greg Cunningham forced Neil Harris' hand early on, with the defender being replaced by new signing Harry Wilson. The Liverpool loanee was straight into the thick of the action, immediately getting a shot away from long range.
Kieffer Moore headed over the bar from an Osei-Tutu cross, as Cardiff continued to push for the opener. A Brad Potts shot was the half's final chance, but the low strike was easy for the goalkeeper to smother.
The second half was barely four minutes old when Cardiff took the lead. A searing counter attack resulted in Moore slipping a through ball in to the onrushing Sheyi Ojo, who smashed the ball high past a helpless Rudd.
The strike was the winger's first goal for the Welsh side, and his first in English football for almost three years.
Cardiff dropped deep following the goal, restricting the space in behind and forcing Preston to go direct. Michael Morrison in particular had an excellent period at the back, heading away a number of dangerous crosses.
Preston pressed for an equaliser, with clear-cut chances at a premium. Sinclair's long-range curling strike easily gathered by Smithies, as the introduction of Jayden Stockey looked to add more attacking bite.
With just under ten minutes remaining, the substitute was millimetres from scoring Preston's first home goal of the season. A whipped cross seemed destined for the Englishman's head, but the toe of Sol Bamba diverted it away from danger at the last moment.
Stockley was presented with another late chance, this time getting the better of Bamba in the air. This time, the ball was always a little behind the Englishman, and again Smithies was able to easily gather.
Man of the match: Kieffer Moore
The Cardiff target man was a constant threat throughout the match. His hold up play was excellent, giving his teammates a platform upon which to construct attacking moves.
He also showed exceptional poise and awareness to assist the winning goal, displaying an eye for a pass in additional to his obvious physical attributes.
Takeaways:
Preston have a plan A, but need a plan B urgently
Preston's direct approach was effective in the first half, but once they fell behind, a tactical change was needed. Whilst Stockley's introduction gave some attacking impetus, more creativity in the central areas of the pitch was desperately needed.
Cardiff's defence will be key to their success this season
The Bluebirds restricted Preston to very few chances, with Morrison and Bamba imperious at the heart of defence. Whilst they fell short in the playoffs last season, Cardiff are yet to concede on their travels this term. If the Welsh side can rediscover their home form, they may well be competing for promotion at the end of the current campaign.