Preston scored another big win over West Midlands opposition to add further fuel to their surge for the play-offs.

Birmingham, attempting to take revenge for last season's play-off defeat at the hands of the Lilywhites, met the same fate as neighbours West Bromwich Albion, who were beaten at Deepdale in midweek.

Preston dominated early on but could only muster an 11th-minute Richard Cresswell effort from 25 yards which went wide.

In the 12th minute Birmingham had a chance but Tommy Mooney could not direct his header properly from six yards out after Martin Grainger crossed.

A volley from 20 yards by the impressive Darren Carter on 22 minutes was blocked, but it ushered in a spell of Birmingham pressure.

The Blues had three corners in quick succession but the North End defence held firm.

Preston keeper David Lucas was then called into action on a couple of occasions, keeping out a long-range shot by Paul Devlin and a header by Stern John.

This was the cue for Preston to begin to exert themselves again and Darren Purse proved the weakest link for the visitors.

The centre-back was booked for unsporting behaviour in the 31st minute and four minutes later his afternoon took another turn for the worse when he buried the ball in his own net with his right foot from close range.

Preston kept up the pressure, looking to turn the screw, and Richard Cresswell began to make his considerable presence felt, but North End were unable to add to their tally before the break.

Birmingham tried to hit back early in the second half but were not getting much change out of the Preston defence and, from a corner at the other end, Chris Lucketti had a chance but nodded over the crossbar.

Blues boss Steve Bruce then tried to add a bit of zip to his attack with the introduction of Stan Lazaridis, who replaced Curtis Woodhouse.

Soon after the visitors began pile on the pressure, with Tommy Mooney and Bryan Hughes both trying long-range efforts but missing the target.

Late on, Purse came forward to try to make amends, but he was less accurate when around the opposition goal, missing with two right-foot volleys.

Teams:

Preston Lucas, Alexander, Lucketti, Hendry, Edwards, McKenna, Gregan, Etuhu, Gudjonsson (Anderson 71), Cresswell (Keane 85), Macken (Healy 64).

Subs Not Used: Eaton, Moilanen.

Goals: Purse 35 og.

Birmingham Bennett, Kenna, Purse, Michael Johnson (Andrew Johnson 88), Grainger, Devlin, Hughes, Carter, Woodhouse (Lazaridis 58), John (Horsfield 79), Mooney.

Subs Not Used: Vaesen, Eaden.

Booked: Purse, Michael Johnson.

Att: 15,543

Ref: R Beeby (Northampton).