Preston attacked with verve and passion in the second-half, despite being reduced to 10-men after 47 minutes when midfielder Eric Skora was sent-off.

BBC: Preston 1-2 C Palace

Skora, who joined Preston from French club Nancy, almost scored in the first minute, but Clarke - providing a sign of things to come - brilliantly saved.

BBC: Preston 1-2 C Palace

Preston, however, had started the match promisingly enough and they almost went into the lead in the fourth minute, with Ricardo Fuller rolling Eric Skora's centre across goal and inches past the opposite post from eight yards.

BBC: Preston 1-1 Watford