A GOALKEEPING howler and a saved penalty helped North End overcome a potential banana skin at Brighton on Tuesday night at the Withdean Stadium.
French midfielder Eric Skora, in only his second game for the club and his FA Cup debut put North End in front in the 16th minute.
The home side had a chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty after a Colin Murdock foul but keeper David Lucas saved well from Bobby Zamora's spot kick.
Brighton continued to create chances forcing several last ditch clearances from the Preston defence.
After the re-start home keeper Will Packham saved well from Jon Macken but in the 63rd minute he was less lucky when he could only deflect a speculative 25-yard shot from the striker into the corner of the net.
From then on the result was never really in doubt with Basham coming on for Macken in the last ten minutes.
In the end was a lot easier for North End than it looked like it was gong to be at one stage as they assured themselves of a home a tie with Sheffield United in the fourth round.
Brighton 0 Preston NE 2
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