PRESTON manager Alan Irvine admitted his side were close to their best as they claimed a 3-1 win at Molineux to ensure Wolves’ lead at the top of the Championship remained at four points.

Stephen Elliott, bought by Mick McCarthy at both Sunderland and Wolves before being moved on in September, returned to haunt his former club, striking twice as North End hit back from a goal down to climb into the top six.

“It’s a fantastic result against a very good team,” former Everton assistant manager Irvine said.

“Wolves are a much stronger side than we are but we can compete in this division when we are at our best and have now beaten all of the top three clubs.”

Wolves had the ideal start when Sylvan Ebanks-Blake put them ahead in the 20th minute, firing home after charging down a poor clearance.

The keeper had no chance when Elliott stabbed in at the near post from Ross Wallace’s left-wing centre.

And Preston were in front shortly before the break when Sean St Ledger reacted quickest to touch in the rebound after Jon Parkin floated a header against the bar from Chris Sedgwick’s corner.

Elliott finished easily on the hour after Sedgwick’s mis-hit had landed at his feet in front of goal.

“Preston gifted us one goal and we gifted them three,” said home manager McCarthy.

“It’s sod’s law Stephen Elliott comes back and does that. I bought him for those qualities and he’s a good player.

“But we have not played well. That’s the upshot of it and they have deserved to win. They took their chances.”