Darren Ferguson, dismissed by Peterborough this season in the wake of a defeat at Newcastle, will survive this second setback at St James Park with his job intact.
And he surely will not have to make another trip to Tyneside in the league next season, with these teams almost certain to be in different divisions.
Goals from Peter Lovenkrands, Kevin Nolan and Ryan Taylor fuelled the belief that Newcastle are heading straight back to the Premier League, while Fergusons side remain in the lower half of the table.
Three and easy: Newcastle"s Ryan Taylor scores in injury time
Ferguson knew the importance of frustrating Newcastle in the early stages, but it was a policy that lasted 133 seconds.
Nolan set up Lovenkrands for a cross that drifted beyond keeper Andy Lonergan and inside the far post.
Newcastle are unbeaten at home this season and had scored nine goalsin their previous two home games while Preston arrived at St JamesPark after conceding five goals to Derby in midweek.
Prestons first chance came after 15 minutes, with Jon Parkinunleashing a fine shot on the turn after Chris Sedgwicks dummy. KeeperSteve Harper, 35 next month, rescued his side with a fine reflex save,and he was equally sharp when he dealt with a dangerous Billy Jonesbreak.
But Prestons challenge was effectively ended when Nolan exchangedpasses with Alan Smith in the 55th minute and scored his first goalsince Boxing Day.
Then it simply became a question of how many goals Newcastle wouldscore. They went close through Andy Carrolls angled 78th-minutevolley, but Ryan Taylor sealed another decisive home win when he firedhome in added time.
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