PRESTON took their chances and had led the Rams like lambs to the slaughter by half-time.

Confident from defence all the way to the front, North End were the brighter side from the start.

It was Graham Alexander who put Preston into the lead after just 14 minutes. He drilled home from the right hand side of goal after finishing a four man move he started.

It was his second goal from open play this season, his 10th in total.

George Koumantarakis came close to netting his first for PNE on 26 minutes, but his shot was parried by Lee Grant into the path of Dickson Etuhu, who tapped it home.

By half-time Koumantarakis had notched up his first for Preston, bundling the ball over the line after Grant lost the ball in front of goal.

Cresswell added a fourth on 51 minutes when Chris Lucketti headed Eddie Lewis' corner back across goal.

Cresswell should have had a second but was denied by Grant, who pulled off a stunning save.

Then Derby capitalised as Preston became slightly sloppy. First Craig Burley's shot was lost by sub goalkeeper David Lucas - on for the injured Jonathan Gould - and Ravanelli tapped home.

On 89 minutes, he added a second, again assisted by Burley when he headed home his cross.

PNE... 4 DERBY... 2