Liverpool player Sheyi Ojo clinched the winner in Cardiff with a 1-0 victory at Preston
The 23-year-old winger scored his first English League goal for 34 months as the Bluebirds contested a disjointed showdown and found themselves five undefeated away in the league
Preston had a few good chances on his side, but was missing a killer bite in front of goal as they slid to a third league loss of the campaign
Lilywhites boss Alex Neil had the pleasure of being able to include midfielder Alan Browne in his starting lineup following a fear of Covid
The Republic of Ireland international was a real doubt for the clash with the Bluebirds following the self-isolation imposed
And Browne got the captain’s armband because Neil had the luxury of naming the same team that scored four goals in 18 minutes to go 2-0 at Brentford last time around
The hosts were the best starters and midfielder Brad Potts saw his thunderous free kick brought down by the Cardiff defensive wall
Moments later striker Sean Maguire cut inside and forced a smart save from Cardiff goalkeeper Alex Smithies at his nearby post
Cardiff blocked well and Junior Hoilett let it tear with a powerful volley, but defender Ryan Ledson threw himself on the ball to avoid danger
Wales international striker Kieffer Moore was annoying himself at the top and he moved closer, giving a header on Jordi Osei-Tutu’s cross
Potts had another good chance at the stroke of half-time but exploded his right-footed shot directly at the grateful Smithies
The breakthrough came seven minutes after the break when Preston was caught sleeping after a superb counterattack from the visitors
Ojo retrieved Moore’s ball in a fluid motion, went on a mazy run and crushed Preston’s helpless goalkeeper Declan Rudd
Ojo, now at his sixth club on loan, was strong in holding back two defenders and clinic as he picked the top right corner with his delicious strike
Preston forward Scott Sinclair, who scored twice in a fine comeback win over the Bees before the international break, tried his luck from afar with 15 minutes remaining, but struck straight at Smithies
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Substitute Jayden Stockley went close to leveling but, distressing the hosts, his head slipped away from the left upright
Stockley had another good opportunity two minutes to go, but the forward headed straight for Smithies That summed up Preston’s frustrating Sunday afternoon
Cardiff City FC, Preston North End FC, EFL Championship, Sheyi Ojo
World News – GB – Sheyi Ojo’s first Cardiff goal takes victory at Preston
