Preston, at times, were put under real pressure from Sheffield Wednesday during the week. But with Jayden Stockley off the bench, Alex Neil’s men displayed their quality which could push them into the end of season play-offs.
The come from behind win has the Lilywhites just three points off the last play-off place following Cardiff City's home loss to Blackburn Rovers. With four games to go there are just six points between sixth and 12th.
Using Wyscout, we delve into the key stats from the midweek Championship games involving teams vying for promotion. Click and scroll through to find out how Preston and their rivals fared.
5. Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 3 Preston - Possession isn't everything
Alex Neil’s men didn’t need much possession to get all three points against the owls. They had less than 42% of the ball and made nearly 130 fewer passes. They were wayward with their passing forward compared to their opponents but were clinical shooting more often and more accurately. Photo: Lewis Storey
6. Birmingham City 1 - 3 Swansea City - Swans not at their best but did enough
The win for the Swans was one of those which falls into the ‘the type of win which gets you promoted’. They weren’t at their best. While they dominated the ball they scored all three goals from nine shots. Birmingham had 19. Photo: Ross Kinnaird
7. Cardiff City 2 - 3 Blackburn Rovers - Bluebirds deservedly beaten
The Bluebird were deservedly beaten if we look at the xG of both sides. Cardiff’s was below 1 and Blackburn’s above two, despite the Rovers scoring from distance. Photo: Alex Livesey
8. Nottingham Forest 0 - 1 Fulham - Visitors barely had a chance
Forest will be kicking themselves they lost, conceding the only goal of the game from one of Fulham’s two shots on target. The Cottagers had an xG of just 0.21. Photo: Laurence Griffiths