Grayson changed his back line as Wiseman came in for Woods but the Gibraltar international played exceedingly well making darting runs forward and will be hopeful that he can now cement his place int he team again after injury.
Preston had much of the ball int he first half but could not break the deadlock. Bailey Wright hit the bar with a header whilst Garner was felled in the box but no penalty was awarded.
The second half continued in similar vein to the first with the home side just having a spell of pressure shortly after the break but otherwise it was all Preston.
Garner was again pulled down in the box but no penalty was given despite an obvious tug to the striker. It did not seem to be his day although things were set to change.
Preston were awarded a free kick which Gallagher whipped in. Clarke from insiode the 6 yard line could not miss and simply tapped home past the keeper. It was a great delivery by Gallagher who had been lacking of late.
The lead was soon doubled as Garner was adjudged to have been fouled int he box. It was third time lucky in that the referee actually spotted this one. Garner converted the penalty doing a belly flop dive in celebration in response to pre-match comments made by the opposition manager.
Coventry did little to threaten all afternoon and Preston now appear to be stepping up after recent results. Grayson will be hoping to build on the victory and push Preston towards the top two places over the next few weeks.