It was the annual Gentry Day with fans travelling by train, car and boat to reach Craven Cottage as over 2,800 fans made the journey to Fulham. Unfortunately, the Preston team in all yellow were in an equally giving mood going down tamely to a strong Fulham outfit.
In fairness, Preston are rarely carved apart and have held their own since returing to the Championship. The management may have put the defeat down to just playing a better side but the defensive play was not good on Saturday with the home side given acres of space.
Aluku gave Fulham the lead before the break and the goal was all too easy for the home side. The lead was doubled after the break when Martin scored.
Preston's best move of the match came through McGeady who slotted a perfect ball through to Barkhuizen who was given his first start. He ran through on goal with a neat finish reducing the scoreline.
North End were outplayed and Fulham soon restored their lead with a goal from Kebano. Again there were questions to be asked over the defending.
This season now has a familiarity about it similar to last season. Fulham are chasing the play offs with some momentum whilst Preston now have to contemplate negotiating the latter part of the season with a top ten finish the most realistic aim.
The league table ever lies and Preston are in a fair position. It is clear where Preston are lacking and Grayson has done a superb job and what is essentially a shoe string budget. Copeting against sides like Fulham on and off the pitch will always be a tough ask.