There's no two ways about it, Cardiff City's leaky defence has been their undoing in recent weeks.
Had it not been for some late heroics, chiefly from the boot of Lee Tomlin, the start to life under Neil Harris might not have been so rosy.
Before the clash with Preston, the Bluebirds had shipped seven goals in their previous three fixtures, not nearly good enough for a side aiming to be in the play-off mix come the end of the season.
That is why, against a very good, well-drilled Preston outfit who have started the season brilliantly, a goalless draw might not be the worst result in the world .
It took , an impressive display from the increasingly assured Curtis Nelson and one crucial intervention from a returning Cardiff City star.
What an encouraging return to action it was for Jazz Richards, who, after starting a little shakily against a tricky counterpart in Billy Bodin, visibly grew in confidence as the match wore on.
It was his first league start for the Bluebirds in almost two years — his last start was another 0-0 draw, against Sheffield Wednesday on January 20, 2018 — but he was a welcome addition to the backline.
While Joe Bennett has certainly earned his stripes in a Cardiff City shirt, it is no secret that he has looked a little jaded this season.
Harris has spoken incredibly highly of Richards since taking the reins over a month ago, but injury setbacks have prevented the player's inclusion thus far.
Richards will undoubtedly have had to quash some nerves, such has been the length of his absence. The fans, as well as Richards himself, have been hugely frustrated by the player's injury setbacks, largely because they know what he can offer.
But he slotted in seamlessly against Preston and Harris was effusive in his praise.
"I'm really pleased for him," Harris said. "We all know that there’s a lot more to come from Jazz - getting forward has always been his strong point, being creative and even scoring goals.
"Ideally, we wouldn't have thrown him in today, but with Bennett going down yesterday (Friday) and two late fitness tests late in the afternoon and on the morning of the game, so we were a bit patched up. And it probably showed in the performance.
"But Jazz, I thought he was outstanding."
That crucial intervention, of course, came as the game was meandering towards what looked like a certain draw.
Both attacking forces looked spent, the midfields had, by and large, cancelled each other out and both teams looked destined for a point.
That is until Preston broke down the left and a pinpoint cross was stood up to the far post, where substitute David Nugent was hurtling in to nod home from point-blank range.
But Richards, despite his lack of match fitness, was alert enough to clear the danger and ensure a point was firmly in the bag.
"His header in the 90th minute at the back post in front of Dave Nugent was quality full-back play," Harris added.
"As good as someone like Lee Tomlin might be at the other end of the pitch, that's as important defensively."
It is very encouraging for Bluebirds and Wales fans that Richards is back fit again.
While he wasn't at his marauding best in attack, that was understandable, given he has to prove himself to the new manager and would have been cautious over making too many mistakes.
But that will come with time and Bennett, , might benefit from some time on the sidelines to recharge the batteries.
In the meantime, Richards finally has the chance to grab this opportunity by the scruff of the neck and make that left-back berth his own.
The man inside him at centre back, Nelson, certainly believes he has a lot to offer.
"It’s brilliant to have him back," Nelson said of Richards.
"Jazz has had a few setbacks with injuries, and I think he deserves so much credit to have played 90 minutes today, because I know how tough that is, coming in and having to do that.
"He's a great player. It's different not having Joe Bennett next to me, who is naturally left footed, but he did really well today and I'm so happy for him.
"Jazz is a great player. He's played a lot of games at a really good level and I know he's going to bring something and affect the team in a positive way when he plays."
The puzzle is not yet solved at the back for Harris, but Richards is likely to be given a fair chance to see if he is the correct fit.
