Defeat left the visitors 11 points below the top six with just four matches remaining, after wins for Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham. Huddersfield controlled the early stages but fell behind to Preston's only shot of the first half, as McGeady's sweet, swerving strike found the top corner. The hosts were deservedly back on terms when Kachunga headed in at the far post after Maxwell failed to claim a left-wing corner. A draw seemed likely after Payne and Hugill's headers, but Huddersfield - who had controlled possession - grabbed victory in dramatic circumstances late on. The penalty was awarded for an off-the-ball incident that saw Hugill booked for a clash with Kachunga, and Quaner was quickest to react to the rebound to net his first league goal for Huddersfield.