Cherries maintained their impressive away record – and registered a first win in seven league games – to haul themselves out of the relegation zone.

A stirring second-half showing saw Lee Bradbury’s men come from behind to run out convincing winners and make it six matches unbeaten on the road.

Juvhel Tsoumonu’s strike for North End separated the two teams at the interval before Wes Thomas bagged his sixth goal in as many games to level three minutes into the second half.

Scott Malone fired Cherries ahead for the first time after 57 minutes with his maiden goal for the club before Marc Pugh completed the scoring by bagging his eighth of the season.

New loan signing Steve Cook was handed his Cherries debut as boss Bradbury made two changes following the midweek draw at Colchester.

The 20-year-old from Brighton partnered Adam Barrett in central defence with Stephane Zubar ruled out due to a one-match ban.

Harry Arter replaced Steven Gregory, while Charlie Sheringham was also suspended after collecting five bookings with previous club Dartford.

Cook caught the eye during the early stages, the newcomer showing some neat touches and looking assured as Cherries stifled Preston.

Lancastrian Marc Pugh almost drew first blood for the visitors when his thumping first-time effort was beaten away by North End goalkeeper Iain Turner.

Cherries were rocked midway through the first half when Stephen Purches was forced off due to injury, with Gregory coming off the bench as his replacement.

Darryl Flahavan was called into action for the first time after 28 minutes, the Cherries goalkeeper acrobatically pushing Tsoumonu’s header over the crossbar.

However, Preston opened the scoring from the resultant corner when Tsoumonu netted from a tight angle after Danny Mayor’s flag kick had ricocheted off Scott Malone.

And only an air shot from Jamie Proctor prevented the hosts from doubling their lead just seconds later, the striker missing his kick after bursting into the six-yard box.

Thomas’s mazy run offered much but delivered little, the striker poking wide from close range after riding three tackles before taking aim.

Proctor headed wide after Mayor’s probing cross had picked him out at the far post before Cook was booked for a deliberate handball as the first half drew to a close.

Having reached the break trailing to Tsoumonu’s goal, Cherries responded by wiping out the deficit and claiming the lead within 12 minutes of the restart.

Firstly, the visitors levelled three minutes into the second half when Thomas latched on to Pugh’s pass and rolled the ball into an empty net after neatly rounding Turner.

And Bradbury’s men stunned the Deepdale faithful when they forged into the lead, Malone registering his first league goal for the club after 57 minutes.

The Wolves loan man pounced on the loose ball after his initial effort had been blocked following a darting run into the 18-yard box.

Turner got down smartly to smother Arter’s free-kick before Cherries extended their advantage in somewhat comical circumstances.

Pugh pounced and slotted the ball into an unguarded net after Clarke Carlisle had been caught napping, the Burnley loan defender allowing Turner’s short free kick to roll past him.

The hapless hosts, searching for their first win in six, were then subjected by irate home supporters to angry taunts of “You’re not fit to wear the shirt”.

Flahavan saved bravely at the feet of Barry Nicholson and then tipped over a thunderous drive from Paul Coutts before Tsoumonu headed wide with the goal gaping deep into injury-time.

Cherries (4-4-1-1): Flahavan, Peters, Cook, Barrett, Cummings, Pugh, Arter, Purches (Gregory, 22), Malone, Fogden (Fletcher, 88), Thomas (Symes, 88).

Unused subs: Carmichael, Jalal (g/k).

Booked: Cook, Pugh.

Lilywhites (4-4-2): Turner, Gray, Carlisle, Devine, Parry, Coutts, Alexander, Russell (Nicholson, 66), Mayor, Tsoumonu, Proctor (Daley, 66). Unused subs: Ashbee, McLean, Arestidou (g/k).

Booked: Nicholson.

Referee: Gary Sutton (Lincolnshire).

Attendance: 10,185.