North End are now more settled after overcoing their latest injury crisis. Stockley and Potts have settled in well. The backline is also looking more solid with Davies and Storrey starting to perform a decent partnership.
The match against Derby was always going to be a step up after away wins against teams int he middle of the table. The visitors have largely been in the top six all season and are set for a run in the end of season lottery if they can keep momentum from now until May.
Preston on the whole played well and had opportunities to wint he game. Derby also had chances as they hit the woodwork twice in the first half through Wilson.
Neil made a tactical change at half time and North End came out much the stronger on the second haf. There were several blocked shots and resulting scrambles int he box but Preston could not force home a winner.
Whilst Preston still sit in the lower half of the table they are significanly above the bottom three in terms of points and are actually closer to the play off positions than the relegation places.
North End must now build on their recent mini unbeaten run as they travel to Bolton at the weekend before another tough home game against high flying Norwich.