RICHARD Cresswell pulled off a late, late show as Preston made heavy weather of what should have been an easy first win of the season over Stoke.

His 95th minute strike after rounding City keeper Neil Cutler broke his duck for the season and saved Preston their blushes.

Despite dominating the game, a combination of squandered chances and some poor mistakes almost handed Stoke a point.

Two penalties conceded and one missed chance almost cost Preston dear.

Despite having the run of play early on, it was Stoke who took the lead when North End captain Chris Lucketti launched a wild challenge on Kristian Commons inside the penalty area.

Clive Clarke coverted the spot kick on five minutes, at the second attempt. Referee Mr Frankland ordered him to retake the kick after spotting encroachment into the area.

Despite falling the right way, Preston keeper Tepi Moilanen couldn't get down in time to save, giving the Potters a lead they hadn't deserved and certainly wouldn't have had if Neil Cutler hadn't pulled off a save and a half from Ricardo Fuller, who is improving every game.

A clumsy challenge on Cresswell by Sergei Shtaniuk inside the Stoke area on eight minutes gifted North End the chance to pull level, but spot-kick wizard Graham Alexander could only stamp the ground in anger as his limp penalty shot wandered wide of goal.

It was down to David Healy to give Preston the goal they deserved. Playing in a midfield role, the former United player appeared to have a new lease of life. Re-directing a Rob Edwards cross with his head, Healy brought Deepdale alive.

It was Healy who finally pulled Preston into the lead. As the crowd enjoyed some smooth passing football, the like of which has not been seen for quite a while at Deepdale, Healy shone out as he slid a shot, first deflected by Cresswell, into the net.

North End could have wrapped the game up by half-time, but failed to turn their dominance into goals.

On 60 minutes, Fuller sent the net bugling with a one-man solo effort. Almost immediatley, Stoke reduced the deficit to just one goal after Dickson Etuhu handled the ball in area, gifting Clarke another penalty.

An injury-time header from Stoke hitman Andy Cooke silenced three sides of Deepdale as the Stoke fans went wild, mouths watering at the prospect of taking something away from Preston.

But Cresswell, who had sent a number chances wide and high throughout the game, came good with seconds to spare.

Manager Craig Brown said: "Hopefully, the result will give us the momentum to climb the table."

Preston North End 4 Stoke City 3