This season Preston have not performed consistently for a full ninety minutes. The last game against Cardiff was probably the closest they have been but against a decent side you simply cannot put in a shift for less than half a match and expect anything other than embarrassment.
Grayson kept the same starting eleven which is understandable given the impressive victory over Cardiff but this match really only heightened how poor the Welsh side were on Tuesday.
Perhaps it was suited to Preston but nothing happened in the first half. The game was neutralised and neither side seized the initiative. Preston didn't look like scoring until a shot just before the break.
The home side had the only real chance of the half and Preston defended like statues. Hogan was allowed a free run in on goal to finish and the hosts were on top with their first real effort.
As is standard this season Preston huffed and puffed in the first ten minutes of the second half. Doyle hit the post from a tight angle but in reality neith him nor Hughill looked like scoring.
Makienok came on as a substitute and failed to impress. He really is a striker who scored only half a dozen goals for a relegated side last year. His strength is in his aerial ability but he lacked any height whatsoever.
Preston were still in the game until twenty minutes to go when Dean shot home after a corner. Grayson has a poor track record of making his sides come from ehind but what followed was total carnage.
Vermijl pulled up injured with his hamstring. He is likely to be out for at least 2-3 weeks if not more giving Grayson an immediate headache at right back for the next few games.
All substitutes had been used and Preston simply failed to reorganise so unlike a Grayson side and collapsed. Hogan had the simplest hat trick of his career as he slotted home two goals either side of a Humphrey own goal.
Many left before the final whistle and those who stayed roundly booed the team and management for what was the worst performance under Simon Grayson and the heaviest defeat for Preston in a league game in over a decade.
Grayson is now treading on thin ice. After having a go at the fans last week he maintained that Preston were always in matches but the performance yesterday suggested otherwise.
Bournemouth await in the cup but the big game is in front of the television cameras at home to Wigan who have equally had a poor start to the season.