DICKSON Etuhu showed why he is the target of the Premiership's big boys when he put Preston in front with a header which was both powerful but also precise.

The former Manchester City youngster put the home side -- who lost Richard Cresswell early on through injury -- ahead on 60 minutes when he rose to meet Graham Alexander's corner at six yards.

Etuhu set up the second when he crossed to Eddie Lewis who fired home with his right foot to make the game safe.

Preston should have been ahead by the third minute, but Pawel Abbott's right-footed shot was saved by Paddy Kenny.

United struggled to find form -- couldn't score in a brothel was the term Neil Warnock opted for at full-time -- with Marcel Cas and Wayne Allison the only players to create chances, and even they didn't really trouble Preston.

Early in the second half and United were going for Preston more, with Jonathan Gould pulling off a spectacular save after Etuhu had given the home side the lead.

Gould also blocked Michael Brown's effort, as well as one from Rob Kozluk.

PNE 2 SHEFF UTD 0