Grayson has kept the same team recently and Humphrey started out on the right with Gallagher on the left. Both were uninspiring but it was that type of game where attacking semeed ot be at a minimum.
The first half was turgid at best. Neither side really caused trouble to the other and the usual format of Preston taking a first half lead only to sit back did not materialise.
The second half was always going to bebetter as the home side needed a win and by that point MK Dons were well ahead of Yeovil. There were a number of talking points for both sides.
Preston had two main opportunities. Garner headed wide from close range when he should have scored when the scores were level. That would have changed the game. Beckford was also clean through with the scores level but lost control at the last minute to allow the keeper to recover.
Another controversial point was when a Colchester defender blatantly raised his hand to stop the ball going over his head which Garner was onto. A yellow card was awarded and a free kick. On a different day the defender could have seen red.
Colchester provided a threat and looked keen. They were awarded a penalty when the attacker seemingly already going down was hurled into by Johnstone. The penalty was one of the worst I have seen as it sailed well over the bar. It should have inspired Preston but it didn't.
With less than ten minutes to go Colchester piled forward and a shot from inside the box was slotted home. There was no real time for Preston to react as substitutes were thrown on to no avail.
North End finished third and will travel to Chesterfield on Thursday night for the play off semi final first leg before the home leg at Deepdale on Sunday at 12.15pm.