HELDER COSTA rescued a point for Wolves as his second half strike earned the visitors a share of the spoils against ten-man Preston at Deepdale.
Alan Browne had opened the scoring for the Lilywhites just after the break, but his goal was cancelled out by the 24-year-old midfielder.
The home side almost got off to the perfect start in the seventh minute, but Tom Barkhuizen dragged his shot just wide of the left-hand post.
It took until the 24th minute for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men to carve out their first opportunity, but Costa’s strike sailed high and wide over the bar.
Willy Boly and Ruben Neves both spurned key chances, before Browne went agonisingly close for Preston, with his header going inches wide after getting on the end of a Callum Robinson corner.
Diogo Jota threatened to break the deadlock just before half-time, but his strike from distance was well saved by Declan Rudd.
Alex Neil’s men started off the second period on the front foot, with Browne forcing John Ruddy into an excellent save before his shot could nestle in the top left corner.
But the Republic of Ireland international wasn’t to be denied again, as his persistence paying off in the 52nd minute with the midfielder’s header from six yards out arrowing into the top right corner after he got on the end of a Robinson delivery.
Their mood was short-lived however, as John Welsh was sent off moments later after being shown his second yellow card for pulling back Cavaleiro as the winger broke on the counter.
And Wolves made the ten-men pay instantly as Costa netted his third of the season in the 61st minute as he lashed his strike into the back of the net, with the former Benfica ace involved once again.
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Neves then almost won it for Wolves in the 94th minute, but he couldn’t direct his attempt on target from outside the box.
The result leaves the away side top of the Championship – 11 points clear of second-placed Cardiff.
While Preston close the gap on Bristol City to just two points as they look to sneak inside the top six.
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