North End were given a stern test on Good Friday by a decent Rochdale outfit who temselves are chasing the final play off spot. Callum Woods came in at right back as Huntinton wasn't risked with Clarke partnering the returning Wright in the centre.
Rochdale had the best of the first half but it was the home side who took the lead courtesy of Jermaine Beckford. He was wedged in between two defenders but managed to control the ball int he box form a throw in. The forward turned and his near post shot went through the legs of the keeper.
In the second half Preston had the chance to double their lead but failed to convert with Johnson missing his kick from a cute free kick amongst other chances.
Johnstone managed to keep a clean sheet which was invaluable as Preston held on for the three points which then set them up for the game at Bradfod on Easter Monday. Bristol City were held at Oldham whilst MK Dons beat promotion rivals Swindon.
Grayson changed the side again at Bradford with Huntington returning in a back thrree with Clarke and Right. Robinson dropped to the bench with Humphrey starting as a right wing back.
The surface, as expected was poor but Preston didn't allow themselves a chance to attempt to get the ball down in the first half which made for a very direct game from both sides.
There were two key moments of the first half. The first after 13 minutes saw Wright play Garner through clean on goal. The frontman waited for the touch from Routis who brought Garner down when clean through. The free kick was awarded but the referee had no option but to send off the Bradford defender.
Just before half time a mistake by Clarke partly due to the pitch allowed a Bradford frontman to be clean through on goal but his shot was hurriedly taken and straight at Johnstone.
The game then turned just after half time as Kilkenny and King came on. Within a minute Beckford was tripped in the box and a penalty was awarded. Gallagher blasted the spot kick down the middle straight atthe keeper but the ball fell to the frontman who scored the rebound.
The ten men of Bradford then had to come out and attack. Preston managed to kill the game off with another superb left footed shot from insdie the box from Daniel Johnson.
Humphrey then added another when his shot from outside the box took a deflection and into the back of the net. Preston needed the early goal in the second half and that changed the course of the game as they dominated after the break.
North End now move to within 5 points of the leaders Bristol City who play Swindon tonight before heading to Deepdale on Saturday which is now a mouthwatering clash between the top two.