Preston are suffering from some form of disorder. Away from home North End are a completely different side to that which plays at Deepdale. Another victory away from Deepdale against league leaders Reading can now be added to the list of points on the road.
The first half was fairly even. Preston started the better without creating much before Reading came into the game after twenty minutes. The home side had two chances where Rudd was forced to save on both occasions.
The second half was lively and full of chances. The first goal was always going to be key. North End should have taken the lead early in the second period.
Riis who has started life well at Preston got in behind the defence and was pulled down in the box. A penalty was awarded but Johnson hit a weak shot centrally which the keeper easily saved.
Reading had chances to take the lead. A mistake allowed Reading clean through before a last ditch Storey tackle prevented a certain goal. North End also missed an opportunity when Potts could only steer a wicked cross from Ledson directly at the keeper.
Preston took the lead when Rafferty won a ball in midfield. His tackle saw the ball fall to Sinclair in the box. It was a close decision in terms of not being offside but he went through on goal to stab home.
Shortly afterwards the lead was doubled when a through ball saw Riis get behind the defence again. He slotted past the keeper for his first goal for the club.
Late on there was a melee on the pitch. Semedo for Reading whacked Ledson on the back of the head. The referee didn't see this but the aftermath resulted in Browne and Laurent getting booked.
As the game came to a close Huntington played a through ball to substitute Barkhuizen who raced through. He unselfishly laid off to Potts to fire home.
It was a good performance from Preston who remain unbeaten away from home. If they can translate their away form back to Deepdale then they will shoot up the table and this is the mystery which needs to be solved.