PRESTON were left rueing missed early chances after losing to Manchester City.

The victory took City three points clear at the top - but North End will know they could have take control of the game early on.

They were the brighter side in the opening 30 minutes, with Jon Macken and Richard Cresswell chief culprits for missing chances.

But as City slipped up a gear, it was Tepi Moilanen who become the star, blocking several fine shots from City, including a belter from Paulo Wanchope.

North End took the lead early in the second half.

Rob Edwards tackled for the ball off Eyal Berkovic, laying a through ball to Macken who slotted a low shot past Nicky Weaver.

But within seconds, City were back level.

Wright-Phillips equalised by volleying home from eight yards after a City corner was only cleared to the edge of the box.

In the 56th minute the Blues went ahead through Steve Howey as the visitors again failed to clear their lines from a City corner.

Moilanen failed to gather Ali Benarbia's kick and slotted home from barely four yards into an empty net.

Several more near misses before Wanchope extended City's lead in the 74th minute.

The striker collected Eyal Berkovic's through-ball and his fiercely-struck right-foot drive from 12 yards gave Moilanen no chance.

Substitute Ian Anderson's hit a deft chip which gave Preston late hope but City deserved their win - even if North End proved the Maine Road men will have to do more than just turn up for a game to get all three points.

MANCHESTER CITY 3

Wright-Phillips, Steve Howey, Paulo Wanchope.

PNE 2

Jon Macken, Ian Anderson