CALLUM DAVIDSON'S late thunderbolt spoiled Robbie Fowler�s day and grabbed a much-needed Coca-Cola Championship point for Preston.

With the game in injury-time, Davidson smashed home a vicious effort from 25 yards to earn Preston a possibly undeserved share of the spoils.

However, the game ended on a sombre note with an injury to Bluebirds� defender Roger Johnson, who was carried from the field on a stretcher after an accidental collision with Davidson as he equalised.

Former Liverpool hitman Fowler grabbed his first goal for Cardiff to put them in front before half-time, only to see Davidson equalise just after the restart with an excellent strike.

Fowler then got what had looked like the winner, until Davidson stepped up again to help Preston avoid making their worst start to a league season for 46 years.

Preston looked lively in the opening stages and Paul Gallagher fired a long-range effort narrowly over the bar.

The home side gradually got a foothold in the game and they nearly went in front when Parry�s shot deflected to Joe Ledley but his point-blank header was superbly tipped over the bar by Andy Lonergan.

The goal appeared to be coming for Cardiff and so it proved as Trevor Sinclair played a clever reverse ball to Paul Parry and his early ball to the far post found Fowler who made no mistake.

Preston rarely threatened and Lonergan had to be alert once again to push Gavin Rae�s effort over the bar.

Minutes later Hasselbaink, who was looking lively after grabbing his first Cardiff goal in midweek, drove a wild effort over the bar.

Just before half-time the Dutchman teed up Parry on the edge of the area, but his shot was well blocked by Youl Mawene.

Cardiff started the second half in lacklustre fashion and they were made to pay as Matt Hill�s cross was only half-cleared and the ball fell to Davidson, who lashed it in from the edge of the box.

No sooner had Preston got themselves level than they were behind again when Ledley�s corner found an unmarked Fowler, who stooped to head home from close range.

The home side could have extended their lead even further, but Ledley headed over from close range and Hasselbaink�s powerful effort was parried away by Lonergan.

Preston tried to get back into the game and substitute Neil Mellor flashed a left-foot effort narrowly wide.

Peter Whittingham curled a shot just wide and Johnson also headed over as Cardiff looked for a crucial third goal.

They were eventually made to pay for those misses as a well worked Preston free-kick set up Davidson and he fired home an unstoppable effort.

Johnson inadvertently bore the brunt of the fierce strike, his head connecting with Davidson�s leg, and he left the field on a stretcher after lengthy treatment.

CARDIFF 2 - 2 PRESTON
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