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The opposition went quickly down to ten men when Mark Rankine was sent off for foul and abusive language after the referee turned down the penalty when ex-Wednesday striker Richard Cresswell was brought down by Shaun Murphy.
The visitors had been keeping in-form United at bay, with goalkeeper David Lucas looking unbeatable between the posts.
He first showed his mettle when England Under-20 star Tonge was fouled by Tyrone Mears just outside the box and got up to strike a superb free-kick that produced a great save by the keeper.
Lucas then did superbly well to save a long-range effort from Peter Ndlovu as United - on a high after their midweek Worthington Cup heroics - went in search of a breakthrough.
The overworked keeper also had to be at his best to tip a header
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As the first half drew to a close Cresswell struck a shot wide of Paddy Kenny's post in a rare Preston attack.
Blades boss Neil Warnock opted for more teeth in the second half, sending on leading scorer Asaba as a third striker in place of midfielder Nick Montgomery.
His side were soon on top again and Lucas was called into action to save a shot from Kabba before the drama of the own goal and sending-off.
United, trying to make it nine games unbeaten in all competitions, were soon going for the jugular, Harley firing in a long-range free-kick that Lucas saved and defender Shaun Murphy heading wide from a corner.
Warnock called midweek two-goal hero Paul Peschisolido into the fray for the last 12 minutes, but it was Preston, searching for the goal that would have given them a share of the points for the 11th time this season, who went closest.
Leading scorer Cresswell got in a header that Kenny did well to tip round the post, and there was no way back for the visitors.