After the disappointing mid-week draw against Rotherham conceding in the last minute, Preston managed to hold off Walsall and distance themselves from the teams just outside of the play-offs.
Grayson opted for a 4-4-2 formation with Keane still filling in for the injures Welsh in midfield alongside Kilkenny. Humphray and Gallagher filled the wide berths as the game started with a comedy of errors.
After less than five minutes Downing under a little pressure headed back into the box towards his keeper. Unfortunately he misdirected the header past his keeper and the ball rolled over the line as the keeper tried to scramble back.
Walsall soon equallised as Clarke slipped allowing Mantom a shot on goal which Rudd punched straight back at the attacker. Mantom slotted home the second chance to equalise.
North End re-took the lead just before the half hour mark. Gallagher curled in a sublime free kick which Bailey Wright nodded home. That was the last of the goals for the afternoon despite efforst by both sides.
Mantom was sent off close to end when he caught Garner on the shion with his studs. It was a borderline decision but he clearly caught Garner with his studs raised.
Walsall then down to ten men had one final long range effort in the last minute which Rudd tipped over the bar to guarantee all three points for Preston. North End close the gap to third place Brentford to three points whilst they remain six points off the top two.