Simon Whaley struck a priceless winner 10 minutes from time for rejuvenated Preston as they beat Wolves 2-1 to boost their Championship survival hopes.

The game burst into life in the second half and substitute striker Andy Keogh gave the visitors the lead with a neat finish in the 51st minute before the Lilywhites equalised from the penalty spot nine minutes later.

Jody Craddock was adjudged to have hauled down Chris Brown and defender Callum Davidson gratefully smashed home the resulting penalty before Whaley wrapped up all three points.

The home side went into the game boasting a record of having not lost at Deepdale on a Tuesday night since Birmingham beat them 2-0 in February 2001 - a run stretching back 32 games.

And North End had further reason to be confident following their shock 2-1 victory over promotion-chasing Charlton at the weekend.

Striker Brown admitted to studying videos of prolific Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy after his double at The Valley and he continued to lead the Lilywhites line alongside loan signing Tamas Priskin.

And it was Priskin, who moved to Deepdale from Watford on an emergency loan at the beginning of the month, who had the first real chance in the fourth minute but his long-range effort was smothered by Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey

Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy opted for a cautious 4-5-1 formation, employing Sylvan Ebanks-Blake as a lone striker.

The former Plymouth man cut an isolated figure in the first half as the Lilywhites dictated proceedings.

In the 28th minute Sean St Ledger rose above the visiting defence before powering Paul McKenna's corner narrowly over.

That effort seemed to inspire the home side and it was soon followed by a 20-yard Whaley drive that was comfortably gathered by Hennessey before Darren Carter's snatched effort ballooned high into the stand.

As the half-time whistle drew near, Preston upped the ante in a bid to gain an advantage and came close with shots from Chris Sedgwick, Davidson and an audacious overhead kick by Whaley.

Despite the home side's best efforts, the first half remained goalless and they were made to pay as the visitors came out of the tunnel invigorated.

Stephen Elliott and Ebanks-Blake flashed in early shots but it was substitute Keogh who finally broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute.

Brought on to offer the isolated Ebanks-Blake some support at half-time, Keogh was on hand to flick home Karl Henry's cross from the left.

But the travelling supporters' jubilation was short-lived as the home side dug deep to bring the scores back level within 10 minutes.

Preston striker Brown was awarded a 60th-minute penalty after being hauled down by back-tracking defender Craddock, and veteran full-back Davidson stepped up and converted calmly to make it 1-1.

McCarthy soon introduced lively winger Matthew Jarvis and midfielder Darron Gibson as he attempted to add some vigour to his attack after Neill Collins had watched his free header fizz wide moments earlier.

But with 10 minutes remaining Whaley fashioned some space following Sedgwick's well-crafted through ball before turning sharply and rifling the ball past a stunned Hennessey to make it 2-1 and earn his side a priceless victory.

Teams

Preston Lonergan, Jones, Mawene, St. Ledger, Davidson,Sedgwick, McKenna, Carter, Whaley, Brown, Priskin (Mellor 72).

Subs Not Used: Chris Neal, Hill, Trotman, Lewis Neal.

Booked: McKenna, Brown.

Goals: Davidson 60 pen, Whaley 81.

Wolverhampton Hennessey, Collins, Breen, Craddock, Elokobi,Elliott (Gibson 67), David Edwards (Keogh 46), Henry, Potter,Gray (Jarvis 67), Ebanks-Blake.

Subs Not Used: Stack, Foley.

Goals: Keogh 52.

Att: 12,090

Ref: Jon Moss (W Yorkshire).