Neil Etheridge 7
Made a world-class save to deny Billy Bodin from point-blank range and made another telling intervention to deny Ben Pearson late on.
Lee Peltier 7
Another who was abrasive and stern in defence. A really good outing for the veteran right-back
Curtis Nelson 7
Growing into his shirt with each outing. Very good both in the air and on the floor in defence. Distribution still needs work.
Aden Flint 6
Won his aerial duels and is peerless in that department. Caught out once or twice with Preston's pacy attack and almost let them in after a mix-up with Nelson.
Jazz Richards 7 (star man)
Considering his lack of game-time, a very good comeback from him. A little shaky at first then made a few crucial challenges as the game wore on.
Marlon Pack 6
Can sometimes be caught out, holding on to the ball for too long. But largely commanding and calm in the middle of the park.
Leandro Bacuna 6
So important to how this Cardiff side play. Box-to-box, breaking up play and going on marauding runs.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing 6
Another frustrating afternoon for him. His runs didn't pay off and he just couldn't find any joy against his opposite number.
Lee Tomlin 6
So often he has been the magic man but he just couldn't produce this time.
Josh Murphy 5
A poor afternoon for him overall. Looks bereft of confidence. Was hooked on the hour to a massive cheer.
Robert Glatzel 6
Made way for Madine after an hour, was left to feed off scraps for most of the time he was on the pitch.
Subs
Gary Madine (on for Glatzel 61) 6
Looked good when he came on. A brilliant target man and held the ball up extremely well.
Danny Ward (on for Murphy 61) 6
Another who looked sharp when he came on but failed to make a big impact.
Callum Paterson (on for Mendez-Laing 84) NA
Not on long enough.
