United's form going into tonight's clash was hardly inspiring, a heavy defeat at the hand of a talented PNE side managed by Craig Brown who lead Scotland to both European Championships and World Cup finals.
Well, not quite.
At Lincoln City on Saturday all United's good work fell down when the ball got to the final third, Martin Carruthers in particular was guilty of possessing the touch of a rapist and failed to get a shot on target all game.
Tonight the side was coherent and confident, debutant Wright was hughly impressive and the signs look promising for when he covers for Nate Stanton during his two game suspension.
The former Scottish international was involved in the opening goal, he collected a clearance from an Iron free-kick. He fed the ball to Brough, who found Dawson who's cross met Carruthers. Ghandi's volleyed effort was parried back out but only into the path of Steve Torpey who had a simple tap in past David Lucas in the home goal.
This sparked a Preston fightback although the match soon descended back to even pegging after a controversial penalty decision which baffled both managers.
Former York City and Sheffield Wednesday forward Richard Cresswell went down in the box under pressure from Nate Stanton and the referee pointed to the spot. Former Iron defender Graham Alexander put the debate aside and struck home from twelve yards to equalise.
Each side enjoyed roughly the same amount of possession and although the home side looked dangerous, they didn't look to be a side two divisions higher than us.
The inevitable extra time came and then the inevitable penalty shootout. Well, it looked that way at least.
The home side looked to have slightly higher fitness levels throughout the extra time and five minutes from time their Jamaican substitute Ricardo Fuller fired the ball home after finding the space to run at Tommy Evans.
It was a promising performance from the side, and they must find the same character on Saturday as Kidderminster Harriers arrive in town for a must-win league game.