Halifax had seen a narrow early lead wiped out but had regrouped to look likely favourites after opening up a 13-5 advantage by the hour mark.
However, they allowed Preston back into the contest with two tries in quick succession,the second converte
d; had Dan Solomi red-carded for punching within minutes of coming on and then, almost immediately, No 8 Richard Brown sent to the sidelines for 10 minutes for a high tackle.
The visitors took full advantage to add another converted score and close the game out.
It was a far from flowing game in surprisingly bright conditions with the referee's whistle heard far too often, particulalry in the first half, with both camps not always sure just what had irked the official.
Halifax were given a flying start, Iain Gordon booting over a penalty after less than a minute.
Neither side imposed themselves on the game, although Preston did edge ahead before the break courtesy of Darren Wilson's try.
Gordon added another penalty early in the second period to restore Halifax's lead and after Preston prop Richard Carleton had been yellow-carded, Craig Braker raced in for a try, converted by Gordon, for a 13-5 lead.
Preston pressure brought its reward in the shape of Leyton Taylor's pushover try and when Halifax kicked the restart out on the full, Preston moved the ball forward for Martin Gambles to jog in, Russell Flynn landing the conversion for a 17-13 advantage.
Then came the double dismissal for Halifax and they were made to pay when prop John Peterson rumbled over, Oliver Moore landing the conversion.
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