ONE time Preston target James McFadden terrorised a sturdy North End defence as they started about trying to claim a Premiership scalp in this Carling Cup clash.

But it was Lee Carsley who stunned North End with free kick to put the home side ahead in the 51st minute.

Midway through the second half he was given his marching orders after an off the ball altercation with Eric Scora, but Preston were unable to take advantage of the extra man.

A miraculous recovery from conjuctivitis by David Healy saw him partner Richard Cresswell up front as North End started in determined fashion.

Skipper Chris Lucketti and fellow centre half Claude Davis threw themselves at everything as Everton tried to go over the top of the North End defence in the first half.

McFadden came close to scoring in the 43rd minute when he lobbed Gavin Ward from 15 yards but his effort went inches wide.

But Duncan Ferguson and Preston-born Kevin Kilbane saw their chances restricted by a determined North End defence.

Preston's only real chance of the half came when in the 19th minute when Andy Smith forced a good save from Richard Wright.

But after the defiance of the first half Everton found a way through after the break when Davis clashed with Leon Osman just outside the area and Carsley hit the free kick over the North End wall and past the outstretched hand of Gavin Ward.

Brian O'Neil had a chance to equalise almost immediately with a 25 yard effort which was well saved by Wright.

But North End could not take advantage of the extra man after McFadden was sent off and substitute Marcus Bent made it 2-0 after being on the pitch for just 30 seconds after being beautifully set up by Osman.