Ireland striker Troy Parrott’s deflected 80th-minute goal helped Preston hand high-flying Norwich a first loss in 10 games with a hard-fought 3-2 Championship win at Carrow Road.
The visitors, who had only scored four goals all season before this fixture, almost doubled their tally in the space of 90 minutes after going behind to a well-taken early goal from Josh Sargent.
Emil Riis equalised midway through the first half with a powerful header and then put his side ahead early in the second period after a swift break.
Substitute Gabriel Sara equalised for Norwich on 76 minutes with another neat finish but the Lilywhites had the final say soon afterwards as substitute Parrott’s cross took a big deflection off Liam Gibbs to deceive Tim Krul.
Parrott’s international colleague Callum Robinson was on target as Cardiff continued their recent resurgence in the by recording a 3-1 victory over Wigan at the DW Stadium.
Robinson opened the scoring after just seven minutes but he wouldn’t see out the half after picking up a knee injury.
His replacement, Sheyi Ojo, and Ryan Wintle were also on target for the Bluebirds, with Charlie Wyke responding, meaning Mark Hudson’s impressive run as City caretaker continues.
On the loss of Robinson, Hudson said: “Callum got caught from behind, at the top of his knee, and it swelled up straight away.
“He tried to run it off, and he did last a lot longer than we initially thought.
“We’ll obviously assess him when we get home, and hopefully it will have settled down.”
Norwich’s defeat means Sheffield United remain top of the Championship table despite losing 3-1 away to Stoke.
The Potters, who earned their first win in four games, went in front through Ben Wilmot before Rhian Brewster levelled for Sheffield United.
Former Blade Phil Jagielka fired the Potters back in front just before half-time and Liam Delap, son of former Ireland international Rory, scored his first goal for the club just before the final whistle to move Stoke into 15th.
Nathan Tella’s goal was enough for Burnley to move into fourth after beating Coventry 1-0, while Swansea continued their impressive form with a 2-1 win against Sunderland, who are now four games without a win.
They took the lead through Ollie Cooper and Harry Darling doubled the advantage just before the break.
Jack Clarke pulled one back for the Black Cats six minutes into the second half, but the Swans were able to see the game out to secure four consecutive league wins.
A Ben Brereton Diaz double ensured Blackburn returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory against Rotherham.
The Chilean international scored a goal in each half, with Sammie Szmodics adding a third for Rovers who stay seventh.
A brace from Zian Flemming helped Millwall move to 13th with a win against struggling Middlesbrough.
Auston Trusty’s double and a goal from Dion Sanderson saw Birmingham put three past Bristol City to end their three-game winless run.
A late brace from Jerry Yates helped Blackpool earn three points against Watford, beating Slaven Bilic’s side 3-1.
Gary Madine put the Tangerines in front before Imran Louza equalised with a curling free kick but Yates secured the win with two quick goals in the final 10 minutes.
West Brom and Luton were forced to share the spoils with a goalless draw at the Hawthorns which keeps the pressure on Baggies boss Steve Bruce.
