Four times, Preston keeper Andy Lonergan denied the City forwards to keep his side in the match after a stunning free kick from Sammy Clingan had seen the Sky Blues take the lead.
"It was an absolute stunner from Sammy and we deserved the lead as well.," said Chris Coleman to the club website after the game.
"Right after that we had a couple of chances and when you are on top that second goal is so important. Preston were much happier going in at half time at 1-0 than we were.
"We should have been a bit meaner with our finishing. Clinton scored at the end but it was too little too late for us."
Copyrighted photos from the game can be seen here
http://footymad.sportbox.tv/photos/imagepopup.php?sport_id=1&team_id=6
Copyrighted photos from the game can be seen here
http://footymad.sportbox.tv/photos/imagepopup.php?sport_id=1&team_id=6