Walsall 1-2 Preston

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Walsall's fight against relegation suffered another blow when they threw away the lead and had a player sent off in the second half at the Bescot Stadium.

They seemed to be heading for three points when French midfielder Frederic Biancalani was sent off following a clash with a Preston player.

That gave North End just the incentive they needed and they produced some sparkling attacking football, equalising within a minute of the red card incident when Iain Anderson cut in from the left and scored with a scorching low drive.

Even worse was to follow for the Saddlers with five minutes left as Preston substitute Steve Basham controlled the ball on the edge of the box and rapped a shot into the top corner.

It was only Preston's third win in 11 games and Walsall fell for their second successive home league defeat.

Deflected volley

In the first half the Saddlers had slightly the better of the attacking play, Darren Byfield skimmed the crossbar with a powerful cross-shot.

As Preston hit back Ian Brightwell did well to head behind a dangerous cross from the visitors' skipper Graham Alexander.

Preston began the second half with some lively attacking play with David Healy having a header blocked, Michael Keane firing just over and Jon Macken having a volley deflected wide.

But Walsall took the lead in the 57th minute, Brett Angell flicking the ball on for Darren Wrack to control on his chest and smash low into the net for his fifth goal of the season.

It looked like being a narrow home win but Preston came storming back and in the end deserved the points.

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Walsall: Walker, Brightwell, Roper, Tillson, Aranalde, Wrack, Biancalani, Bennett, Andre, Byfield, Angell. Subs: Harper, Leitao, Keates, Barras, Matias.

Preston: Lucas, Alexander, Murdock, Edwards, Lucketti, McKenna, Skora, Keane, Anderson, Healy, Macken. Subs: Moilanen, Basham, Eaton, Robinson, Barry-Murphy.

Referee: M Jones (Leeds)