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The Premier League's bottom club went 3-0 behind after first-half goals from Karl Hawley (2) and Simon Whaley and must have been read the riot act by Jewell - who warned his players before the match that they had to improve - at the break.

Half-time substitute Robbie Earnshaw finished clinically to give the home fans hope, yet they could not turn a subsequent spell of pressure into further goals and Preston added a fourth in injury-time from the penalty spot.

Neil Mellor, newly-arrived on the pitch, won that with a burst through on goal as Lewin Nyatanga was sent off for the challenge. Mellor promptly dispatched the kick into the bottom corner to complete the rout.

Preston could have had more. Captain Paul McKenna struck one shot onto the bar from 30 yards out after desperate defending by Stephen Pearson deflected another Hawley attempt against the woodwork.

Youngster Giles Barnes appeared for the second half alongside Earnshaw but could not produce the goods. After Earnshaw's consolation January signing Hossam Ghaly slipped a ball through on the left for another new man in midfield, Robbie Savage.

The former Wales man has plenty of time to steady himself yet snatched at his volley and Andy Lonergan blocked comfortably.

Argentine striker Emanuel Villa was taken off after 45 minutes while Kenny Miller struggled to hit the target all afternoon for the Rams.

The victory is a rare one for Alan Irvine's Preston - stuck in the Championship relegation zone - away from home.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport