Cardiff saw their faint play-off hopes come to an end at Preston despite coming from two goals down to secure a point.

The impressive Eddie Lewis gave the hosts an early lead which was doubled shortly after half-time by a fine Paul McKenna strike.

But two goals in three minutes from Andy Campbell and Danny Gabbidon brought Cardiff level.

Both goalkeepers were forced into early action as first North End keeper Jonathan Gould had to be on his toes to stop Richard Langley's free-kick following a handball by Graham Alexander.

Martyn Margetson then showed sharp reflexes to turn away Paul McKenna's effort.

Alexander also forced a fine save from Margetson with a fierce effort from 25 yards.

Preston continued to enjoy the better of the early exchanges and Lewis came close to breaking the deadlock when his left-footed effort was blocked by Margetson.

North End got the goal their early play deserved when USA international Lewis linked up well with Ricardo Fuller and picked up the return ball before drilling a left-footed shot into the net.

David Healy went close to extending the lead but he dragged his effort from just outside the box narrowly wide.

Cardiff struggled to get at the Preston defence and on a rare sortie forward, Gould was quickly off his line to cut out Weston's dangerous cross.

The visitors gradually came more and more into the game and John Robinson's effort was blocked by Michael Jackson and moments later Langley lashed wide from 25 yards.

Gould saved well from James Collins and at the other end Fuller dragged wide in an open game.

Lewis came within inches of sending Preston into the interval with a two-goal advantage as his left-footed effort bounced back off the woodwork five minutes from the break.

Danny Gabbidon had Cardiff's best chance of the half but blazed over from close range.

Preston got the dream start in the second half when Paul McKenna doubled their lead.

He picked the ball up just inside the Cardiff half and as the Bluebirds defence backed off, waltzed his way through and fired an unstoppable shot past Margetson.

Cardiff responded almost immediately and Andy Campbell pulled a goal back in the 51st minute with a stunning effort from 30 yards that gave Gould no chance.

And just three minutes later, the Bluebirds were level when Gabbidon got on the end of Langley's cross from the right and sent a fine header past Gould.

Margetson made a superb save to tip Lewis' shot around the post as the game quickly shifted from end to end.

Healy fired narrowly wide while at the other end Gould saved well from Barker.

Lucketti almost grabbed a late winner but his header from Alexander's corner came back off the woodwork.

Teams

Preston Gould, Alexander, Michael Jackson, Lucketti, Broomes, Lewis, Etuhu (McCormack 84), McKenna, Healy, Fuller, Cresswell.

Subs Not Used: Lucas, Briscoe, Lynch, Davis.

Goals: Lewis 15, McKenna 46.

Cardiff Margetson, Weston, Collins, Gabbidon, Barker, Langley (Parry 80), Boland, Bullock, Robinson (Earnshaw 86), Campbell, Lee.

Subs Not Used: Croft, Gordon, Alexander.

Booked: Robinson, Lee.

Goals: Campbell 51, Gabbidon 56.

Att: 11,972

Ref: A Kaye (W Yorkshire).