Walsall's fight against relegation suffered another blow when they threw away
the lead and had a player sent off in the second half at the Bescot Stadium.
They seemed to be heading for three points when French midfielder Frederic
Biancalani was sent off following a clash with a Preston player.
That gave North End just the incentive they needed and they produced some
sparkling attacking football, equalising within a minute of the red card
incident when Iain Anderson cut in from the left and scored with a scorching low
drive.
Even worse was to follow for the Saddlers with five minutes left as Preston
substitute Steve Basham controlled the ball on the edge of the box and rapped a
shot into the top corner.
It was only Preston's third win in 11 games and Walsall fell for their second
successive home league defeat.
In the first half the Saddlers had slightly the better of the attacking play,
Darren Byfield skimmed the crossbar with a powerful cross-shot.
As Preston hit back Ian Brightwell did well to head behind a dangerous cross
from the visitors' skipper Graham Alexander.
Preston began the second half with some lively attacking play with David Healy
having a header blocked, Michael Keane firing just over and Jon Macken having a
volley deflected wide.
But Walsall took the lead in the 57th minute, Brett Angell flicking the ball
on for Darren Wrack to control on his chest and smash low into the net for his
fifth goal of the season.
It looked like being a narrow home win but Preston came storming back and in
the end deserved the points.
Teams
Walsall: Walker, Brightwell, Roper, Tillson, Aranalde, Wrack,
Biancalani, Bennett, Andre (Keates 82), Byfield,
Angell (Matias 82).
Subs Not Used: Harper, Leitao, Barras.
Sent Off: Biancalani (74).
Booked: Aranalde.
Goals: Wrack 57.
Preston: Lucas, Alexander, Murdock, Edwards, Lucketti, McKenna,
Skora (Basham 65), Keane, Anderson, Healy, Macken.
Subs Not Used: Moilanen, Eaton, Robinson, Barry-Murphy.
Booked: Keane.
Goals: Anderson 75, Basham 85.
Att: 6,314
Ref: M Jones (Leeds).
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