Tom Cannon struck a brace in Preston's 2-0 victory over QPR to boost the Deepdale side's promotion hopes.
The Ireland U21 international - on loan from Everton - nodded home compatriot Robbie Brady's cross to put the visitors in front just before the hour mark.
He would double the lead four minutes later, capitalising on a defensive error to advance and slot past Seny Dieng.
Huddersfield kept their chances of survival alive with a huge 3-2 victory against Watford to move out of the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone.
Yaser Asprilla gave Watford the lead but Jack Rudoni equalised just before the break and the Terriers then took the lead through Matty Pearson.
Kian Harratt added a third for the visitors, but they were forced to hang on after Britt Assombalonga struck in stoppage-time.
The Hornets were then reduced to 10 in the dying minutes when goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann collected a second yellow card for a wild lunge while forward for a set-piece.
The fight for survival also saw Cardiff secure an important three points with a 3-1 win against Blackpool.
A destructive first half saw the Bluebirds put three past the hosts with Connor Wickham, Sory Kaba and Joe Ralls all getting on the scoresheet.
The Tangerines earned a consolation through Josh Bowler, but Cardiff now move into 19th while Blackpool remain second from bottom.
After being handed a six-point deduction earlier in the week, Reading dropped into the relegation zone following a 1-1 draw with Birmingham after Lukas Jutkiewicz cancelled out Andy Carroll's opener.
Jordan Hugill's double also eased Rotherham's relegation troubles with a 3-1 win against West Brom.
Hugill had given away a penalty in the first half that saw John Swift fire the Baggies in front, but the forward scored either side of the break before Tarique Fosu sealed three points for the Millers.
At the top end of the table, play-off contenders Millwall and Luton shared a goalless draw, allowing Sheffield United to go eight points clear of the third-placed Hatters with a 1-0 win against Wigan.
Iliman Ndiaye's eighth-minute strike was enough to seal victory for the Blades against the Latics, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
Norwich edged closer to the play-off places after goals from Liam Gibbs and Gabriel Sara saw them secure a 2-0 win against Blackburn.
Swansea and Coventry finished goalless, with the Sky Blues dropping into ninth, while Bristol City came from behind to end Stoke's five-game unbeaten run with a 2-1 victory.
Nick Powell put the Potters ahead but Zak Vyner levelled the scores before Anis Mehmeti scored his first goal for the Robins to snatch a late victory.
