Extended player ratings: Saints 3 Preston 1

Davis - 7: Had little to do with Preston scoring with their first shot on target, a lovely curler, well into the second half. Still had to be alert to keep out a Parkin shot and deal with a wicked deflection at the death. Helped calm things at the back with important punches and catches as Preston went route one.

James - 8: Has come such a long way as a player this season, looking at home amid an experienced defence. Also kept his head late on when earlier in the season he might have panicked, shielding the ball well, staying on his feet and clearing a shot off the line through good positioning. Still guilty of crossing on sight no matter how far out, but his accurate delivery helped put the Preston defence under pressure.

Saeijs - 8: Showed the value of having a big, experienced central defender to partner Perry. Dealt well with the massive bulk of Parkin and won header after header under pressure, but also showed he was able to play the ball out of defence.

Perry - 7: Used all of his experience to win more than his fair share of headers against Parkin and to nearly always be in the right place at the right time. Done for pace on occasion, he is nonetheless one of the fittest players in the squad with an impressive appearance record despite his 35 years.

Skacel - 7: Impressive performance from Rudi who showed his quality with pinpoint delivery into the box, as he overlapped well with Drew Surman. Also played his part in defence, making a number of important tackles and interventions as Preston rained in the high balls in the second half.

Lallana - 5: Still a way short of the electric player of early season, this was at least a disciplined performance as he kept his position on the right flank even though it limited his impact as an attacking player. Was a decent outlet for Saints with his wonderful balance on the ball helping retain possession.

Gillett - 7: Tigerish performance from Gillett who played the defensive midfield position with distinction despite being up against some physically larger players. Made countless interceptions and tackles and even won a header against Parkin. Kept his passes simple and held his position where earlier in the season he might have been caught upfield.

McGoldrick - 7: Wotte took a huge gamble by playing him in central midfield, but after an uncertain start he grew into the role, thriving on being relieved of the pressure to score and on he constant involvement in the game that the position involves. Got a deserved ovation when he came off and might even have scored showing excellent technique to volley from the edge of the area.

Surman - 6: Took his chance superbly when a loose ball broke to him on the edge of the box and he drilled into the bottom right corner. The less said about his delivery the better as a succession of corners and freekicks missed their target. When he got it right though, he created a number of chances for the strikers. Went missing at times during the game, but when on song was at the heart of many of Saints best moves down the left.

Euell - 7: At times like Bambi on ice, with a first touch to match, he spent as much time on the turf as he did jumping for the numerous long balls sent in his direction. Still proved a handful for the Preston defence and might have scored had Lonergan not clawed away an effort heading for the top right corner.

Saganowski - 10, MOTM: The complete centre forward performance, with two superb strikes, tireless closing down of the ball and some excellent hold-up play. He simply has to stay fit if Saints are to have any chance of staying up. What a class act and deserves the first 10 awarded this season.

Wotton - 6: While not the most gifted of players, what he lacks in silky skills he makes up for in his competitive spirit and organisational skills. Got stuck in as Preston went route one and even managed an elegant crossfield curler to Gillett to create space.

Liptak - 6: Only on for a few minutes as Saints went five at the back, he showed plenty of promise with impressive command in the air and may prove a decent signing despite his less than stellar background.

BWP - 5: Little time to make an impression, he did use his pace to put pressure on the Preston defence, but hardly touched the ball.