Preston 0-2 Hull

Goals from Garcia and Barmby sink Preston deeper into relegation trouble.

Darren Ferguson's sixth home loss in nine keeps his side three points deep in the relegation zone and in danger of slipping into last place if Crystal Palace can manage a draw on Saturday.

Preston were first to strike after five minutes with a long range shot from Paul Parry, which was pushed away by on-loan keeper Mannone. The rebound was followed up and converted by Jon Parkin, but it was from an offside position, and was ruled out.

On the 15 minute mark, Hull forward Richard Garcia shot wide from close range after a slick through ball from Robert Coren had put him through on goal.

Although when another opportunity presented itself five minutes later, Garcia was not going to make the same mistake. Coren swung an exquisitely placed cross past defender Craig Morgan, and gifted Garcia with a chance at the far post, which he converted with a diving header to give Hull an early lead.

North End came close soon after with attempts from Barton and Brown, but both narrowly missed the target, edging high past the near post.

The second half began with a bout of pressure from Preston, starting with a fierce strike from Iain Hume from which rattled the inside of the post and somehow stayed out.

Preston pressure continued, culminating in a pair of long range shots from Jon Parkin, however both attempts proved too timid to trouble Mannone in the Hull City goal.

Preston failed to capitalise on their chances, and with twenty minutes remaining, a second goal from Hull finally put the game to rest. After turning St Ledger with ease, Richard Garcia cut a low ball across the face of the goal, allowing substitute Nick Barmby a 'tap-in' finish from five yards out.

Hull could have made it 3-0 in the final minutes when Jay Simpson took advantage of a slip up from defender Craig Morgan on the edge of the box. However, one on one with keeper Lonergan, his shot hit the post.

After the game, Preston manager Darren Ferguson told Sky Sports news that his didn't pass the ball well enough in the first half, and that he was disappointed with conceding the opener, which he described as a “sloppy goal”.