A second-half goal from Lewis Neal wasn't enough to stop the Potters slipping to a 2-1 defeat on the road at Preston North End.

North End's Jamaican midfielder Omar Daley netted either side of Neal's strike to ensure the home side were victorious.

But there was more encouraging news concerning John Eustace. The midfielder came through a full 90 minutes for the first time since a lengthy injury lay-off.

Eustace began understandably cautious but as the game wore on he looked as assertive as ever in the centre of the field.

But it was the home-side who took the lead in the 23rd minute. Daley's pace caused the City defence problems as he cut in from the flank to fire the ball past 'keeper Ben Foster.

North End went in at the interval one goal to the good, but City found themselves level just seven minutes after the restart.

Lewis Neal picked up possession just outside the penalty area and drove a shot which squirmed past the 'keeper and into the net.  

The celebrations though were short lived as just one minute later Daley bagged his second of the afternoon.His left-footed effort from twelve yards out found the net to clinch all three points for North End.