Jude denied big farewell
three.” There was no faulting Bellingham’s effort – but he and his teammates couldn’t prevent Bauer giving Alex Neil’s side the lead.
Paul Gallagher delivered a pinpoint corner for Bauer to side-foot home from a crowded six-yard box.
And if hadn’t have been for the sharp reflexes of
Lee Camp it would have been 2-0 just before the break, another Gallagher corner creating mayhem only for Jayden Stockley’s close-range header to be palmed out by the keeper.
Preston then had to thank Rudd for maintaining the lead with two outstanding stops, first a brilliant leap to turn a Gary Gardner volley over the bar and then blocking a Harlee Dean header.
That paid dividends later when Potts cut into the area and drilled a neat leftfooted strike past Camp.
But it was too little, too late for Preston who have missed out on a play-off spot after going off the boil coming into this game on the back of just one win in 10.
North End boss Neil said: “Of course it’s painful missing out but this group of players have given everything.
“We’re not alone in thinking that at times we could have done better.
“Winning today isn’t any consolation but we have to put everything in perspective when you look at the budgets of some other clubs.”
PRESTON BIRMINGHAM 7 ........ Shots on Target ......... 2 5 ........ Shots off Target ......... 4 5 ................ Corners ................. 7 11 .................. Fouls .................. 10 3 ............... Offsides ................ 0 81.7.Passing Success % 57.4 569 ...... Total Passes ........ 270 67 ........ Possession % ........ 33 46.4 .Territorial Adv % .. 53.6