Gary Johnson said winning the ball in midfield was the key to Yeovil Town's 2-1 victory over Preston North End at Huish Park yesterday afternoon.

Preston were reduced to ten men after just three minutes when defender Craig Morgan hauled down Glovers striker Andy Williams, who went on to score twice for the hosts.

Johnson said reacting in the right way to their numerical advantage at such an early stage of the game was vital to claiming the three points.

"Sometimes it feels like a perfect start, but they didn't change their shape much," said Johnson.

"They kept their three up front, they kept their four at the back and went with two in the middle, which meant we had to get on the ball.

"I thought we had a terrific period with our midfielders getting on the ball, passing it and feeding the forwards.

"The two forwards in the first half were absolutely magnificent, that was proper centre-forward play.

"They've got do that now for two halves, then we'll be at the other end of the table."

Williams gave the Glovers the lead with a 30th minute opener, and doubled the lead on the hour from close range.

Preston didn't give up, and were given a lifeline when defender Clarke Carlisle headed home from close range to halve the deficit.

But, despite a red card for Paul Huntington in the 88th minute for a foul on Chris Holroyd, Yeovil held firm to pocket three valuable points in their battle to beat the drop.

Johnson confirmed the Glovers will be appealing Huntington's dismissal, and praised his side's workrate as they overcame Preston.

"I was proud of the lads," he added. "It was a clever performance. For most of the game, we dictated it.

"We gave them a little lifeline towards the end, which was disappointing. Teams like Preston are going to have that little bit of belief and put you under pressure on occasions, but we saw it out.

"I thought the lads put in a terrific workrate. They were dying for the cause and I was very pleased, because we showed some good ability as well, played some good football and got people in on numerous occasions."

With Exeter City losing at home to Charlton Athletic, and both Walsall and Scunthorpe United inactive, the Glovers have jumped three places to 18th.

Another good Huish Park crowd of 4,245 watched the game.

See This is Somerset tomorrow for a full report and reaction from Huish Park.