Memory match: When Daniel Johnson was Preston North End's late hero against Bristol City in December 2016

Just as it looked like victory had been snatched away from the Lilywhites by a late Bristol City equaliser, Daniel Johnson squeezed in a shot from a tight angle to deliver three points.

They had led from the 21st minute through a calm finish from Simon Makienok.

Aaron Wilbraham, a regular scorer against PNE, brought the Robins level with 12 minutes remaining,

Step forward Johnson to net at the other end in the 85th minute to spark wild celebrations in the away end.

PNE had left Bailey Wright out of the side as talk surfaced of Bristol City being interested in a January swoop for the defender.

His place was taken in the back four by Paul Huntington.

It was the home side who bossed the early play, Preston looking off the pace.

A 20-yard shot from Lee Tomlin was pushed away by Chris Maxwell, City then shouting loudly for a penalty after Tammy Abraham went down in the box under a challenge from Aiden McGeady.

Referee Simon Hooper shook his head and waved away the appeal.

North End’s opener came very much against the run of play and gave them the kick-start they needed.

Callum Robinson did the spadework on the right-wing, switching the ball from his right foot to left and curling over a fine cross which Makienok met on the volley and tucked away from six yards.

Sparked into life, the visitors were much better after that and had chances to stretch their advantage.

A shot from Robinson crept just wide of the target, it looking to have caught a slight deflection but Mr Hooper awarded a goalkick.

Alan Browne sliced a first-time effort over the bar from inside the box after being played in by Robinson.

North End should have scored a second goal two minutes into added-on time at the end of the first half.

Ben Pearson’s pass released Alex Baptiste down the right channel, his cross to the far post met by Makienok who cushioned a header back into the middle into the path of Robinson who scooped a shot against the bar.

Less than two minutes into the second half, Greg Cunningham was tripped to the side of the box, earning PNE a free-kick.

McGeady rolled the set-piece low into the box, Johnson kicked fresh air, the ball running to Huntington whose low shot was cleared off the line by Abraham.

The woodwork came to Preston’s aid when Abraham got clear of the defence and ran through on goal, his powerful shot beating Maxwell but coming back off the bar.

City drew level in the 78th minute, Adam Matthews’ cross from the right travelling across the box to Wilbraham who rose to send a header over Maxwell.

Marnick Vermijl replaced McGeady at that point, with Jordan Hugill then joining the action in place of Robinson.

Back came North End to regain the lead with five minutes of the regulation 90 remaining.

Makienok’s pass found Johnson down the right side of the box.

The midfielder cut inside then found the net from a tight angle just as it looked like he had been crowded out.

It was with his weaker right foot too, the ball finding a gap at the near post to go in.

They survived plenty of late City pressure to hold out for the three points.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by clicking here