Preston tighten play-off grip with clinical win at City | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Bristol City were beaten 2-0 by Preston North End at Ashton Gate. In the eighth minute, Lewis Norman Dobbin finished from the centre of the box after Jordan Thompson's pass. After the restart Preston absorbed pressure and Alfie Devine doubled the lead (70.) with a low finish. City had 63.8% possession and 12 attempts but only two on target, while Preston produced 35 clearances. Preston rise from sixth to fourth and face Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup next, while City drop from eighth to 10th and host Watford in the FA Cup.

Player of the Match: Dobbin set the tone with the opener and five attempts, stretching City's back line and giving Preston a platform to control the game.

Stat of the Match: Preston made 35 clearances, a stubborn rearguard that blunted City's sustained pressure.

Three Things We Learned: City's crossing-heavy approach lacked bite, delivering 30 crosses at 23.3% accuracy for just two shots on target. Preston were efficient, turning 12 attempts into two goals and maintaining shape with 69.2% tackle success. The result reshapes the table, with Preston up from sixth to fourth, while The Robins slide from eighth to 10th.