Krystal Johnson hit a great hat-trick for the Blues to set up a tough tie against either Everton or Fulham in the next round.
The hosts rode an early tide of Preston pressure before Sarah Penney tucked home a penalty to give City the lead. This lead lasted just over 10 minutes as Lou Cafferkey fired home a 20-yard equaliser - the first of three long range efforts to grace this contest.
Preston took the lead shortly after when City goalkeeper, Andrea Worrall, failed to hold on to a cross from the right and Sam Caldwallder prodded the ball home from close range.
Good work by Danielle Young on the right wing led to Johnson’s first of the afternoon, as the former escaped the attentions of two Preston players to stand up a far-post cross which Johnson guided home from an acute angle.
A second long-range goal was scored by Gemma Watson which once again put the visitors into the lead, before Johnson followed suit after the restart to level matters once more.
A pulsating second half ensued, though chances were at a premium, and it was left to Johnson to send City into the Fifth Round in extra-time, curling home an effort from the edge of the box.
“We kept a high line,” admitted Leigh Wood, City’s First Team Manager. “[We] kept pressing them in their area and they just couldn’t get out, which is a credit to the players. They showed good fitness levels that they could keep going for 120 minutes.
“We’re probably deserved winners at the end of the day.”
