Grayson changed his starting line to try and end Preston's three game league losing streak. Stuckmann returned in goals for the first time in a long time in a league game in place of Jamie Jones who was dropped after a shaky start to the season.
Wiseman returned at the back after the international break to solidify the defence whickst Clarke paired Huntington and Buchanan played ont he left. Welsh added steel to the midfieled with Kilkenny. Humphray and Robinson showed pace on the wings with Gallagher playing off Garner.
The home side came out of the traps quickly having three chances within the first quarter of an hour. The best was a one on one with the attacker rounding Stuckmann but on the angle shot wide.
North End came into the game more and settled down applying some pressure to the hosts. The goal came afer Kilkenny showed some skill in midfield to open up the play. He passed to Garner ont he right who had Humphrey on the overlap. He drove forward and crossed across the box to Robinson who tapped in from close range.
The game was then even for the remainder of the half but at the break Garner was replaced by Kevin Davies after the former suffered an injury in the first half.
Davies did well in holding the ball up and bringing others into play on a tough day. The home side were off target with most attempts and Stuckmann had only one or two meaningful saves to make.
Preston dug in for the win and could have doubled their lead on the counter but in the end it was an important win which closes the gap on the league leaders to two points.