North End started with an interchangeable three up top. Beckford was given a surprising start playing to the right of Garner with Robinson on the left but all three changed positions throughout the match.
Preston should have been at least two ahead if not more before they eventually opened the scoring int he 12th minute. Gallagher was put through but his curling shot was saved by the keeper. Johnson then hit a post from an angle.
Garner broke the deadlock when he turned and shot from the edge of the box to open the scoring. It was much deserved for all the early pressure Preston had.
The lead soon doubled when Gallgher curled in a cross from the left. Garner peeled off his man to head home at the far post to double his tally and it seemed Preston were in cruise control.
As so often is the case, Preston allowed the visitors back intot he game with a lapse of concentration allowing Turton to easily finish past Johnstone to reduce the deficit. Crewe had a furtehr attempt ruled out for a foul before the break.
Preston could have wobbled but they didn't as Garner curled in a bauty early in the secon dhalf giving the keeper no chance and taking the tie beyond the reach of Crewe.
The home side dominated and should have had many more with Beckford missing a sitter from six yards out before he had another run and shot with the balling clipping the post ending up in the path of Garner who converted into the empty net from a yard out.
Beckford did get his goal towards the end. He was getting in the right positions but was just unable to finish until he scored Preston's fifth to consolidate second spot.
MK Dons have fallen away slightly with Swindon now the main challengers sitting two points behind Preston having played a game more. North End host Peterbrough on Tuesday with 11 games of the season remaining.