The first eleven changed but for the better with balance as Fisher returned from suspension and Hughes surprisingly came back from injury to play at left back. Potts played in the number ten role whilst Stockley was given a rare start up front.
Having a right back play at right back and a left back play at left back certainly helped the team as they looked bright throughout the match. The visitors sat back but Preston managed to look dangerous.
Barkhuizen was gifted an opportunity in the first half when he was fortunately through on goal. The keeper came out quickly and Barkhuizen could only shoot straight at the keeper who saved.
The game was level at the break but shortly after Preston scored the all important first goal. There was a touch of fortune involved as Hughes swung his left boot from the edge of the box. His shot took a deflection off Potts who knew nothing about it but the ball went into the corner of the net.
The visitors then had their best spell for a period of five minutes. A cross was fired in which nobody could get on the end of and then shortly after Rudd was forced into a save.
North End then controlled the rest of the game. Sinclair went on a mazy run and the outcome of his run saw the ball end up at Stockley's feet. He screwed his shot wide when ot was easier to score.
Sinclair also hit the bar with a header before he did manage to score with a superb left footed shot. Substitute Riis then completed the scoring late on to confirm the three points.
Preston now need to build some momentum over the next few weeks as the games still come thick and fast towards the end of the year. Inconsistency has plagued North End over the last few seasons and this term has been no different.
It is clear that Preston can compete at this level both home and away but a lack of consistency means they inevitably sit in midtable. If North End are to ever achieve higher then they need to find a formula that works on a regular basis.