<\/p>\n
Preston returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory at struggling Huddersfield.<\/p>\n
Skipper Alan Browne and Will Keane gave Ryan Lowe\u2019s side a 2-0 interval lead.<\/p>\n
Danny Ward\u2019s first goal of the season hinted at a second-half revival for opponents still hovering just above the drop zone.<\/p>\n
But instead, Ben Whiteman\u2019s 66th-minute goal wrapped up a first win in five for the Lancashire outfit and one-time leaders of the division.<\/p>\n
It proved a good night too for ex-Terrier Duane Holmes, who claimed two assists on his return to the John Smith\u2019s Stadium to help end Town\u2019s draw-peppered, four-game unbeaten run.<\/p>\n
Preston\u2019s recent profligacy in front of goal had contributed to their drop from their lofty early-season position.<\/p>\n
But within the opening three minutes Browne fired fractionally wide, had a strong appeal for a penalty rejected and then headed in North End\u2019s first goal in four games \u2013 just their second in five.<\/p>\n
Holmes crossed from the left and Browne glanced in his third goal of the campaign.<\/p>\n
The stunned Terriers almost responded immediately. Delano Burgzorg powered forward but his angled drive could not beat Freddie Woodman at his near post.<\/p>\n
A brace of Whiteman blocks protected Woodman from further action while Josh Koroma miscued a right-foot curled effort as the visitors briefly relinquished control.<\/p>\n
But normal service was soon restored with North End\u00a0\u00a0bossing possession and then six minutes from half-time deservedly doubling their advantage.<\/p>\n
Lively Liam Millar collected the ball just inside the home half and raced towards the area before playing a delicious pass with the outside of his right foot into Keane\u2019s path.<\/p>\n
The striker took aim immediately and directed a shot beyond ex-Preston and Blackpool keeper Chris Maxwell for his fifth goal of the campaign and his first since September 2.<\/p>\n
Huddersfield fans responded with boos and then again at the break. Boss Darren Moore had also lost patience, taking off Tom Lees, Josh Austerfield and Koroma at half-time and replacing them with Yuta Nakayama, Ben Wiles and Jaheim Headley.<\/p>\n
The triple substitution did the trick and nine minutes later Town reduced their deficit. Matty Pearson supplied a cross from the Preston left and Ward, three days after his 33rd birthday, rose unchallenged to open his account for the campaign.<\/p>\n
Ward, sidelined for a large part of this season with Achilles trouble, had not scored since a winner against Sheffield United last May to keep his club in the second tier.<\/p>\n
It was almost the striker\u2019s last contribution as Brahima Diarra replaced him for the final half hour.<\/p>\n
But after looking vulnerable, the Lilywhites confirmed the three points. Millar and Holmes combined to tee-up Whiteman to guide a right-foot shot beyond Maxwell for his second goal of the term.<\/p>\n