It was the last game before the international break and Preston started well. North End were awarded a free kick outside the box. Gallagher took the set piece curling the ball which hit the woodwork. Stockley was the first to reach the rebound heading the ball home.
Browne doubled the lead before the break as he converted a Barkhuizen cross and the home side never looked to be in trouble in the first period as the visitors thrust their frustration towards the officials.
Preston secured the game in the second half when a defender put his arms out to block the ball in the box. A penalty was correctly awarded and Gallagher converted to give Preston a three goal lead.
The visitors did pull one back when Bacuna was allowed to run unchallenged through the Preston half. He slotted home past Rudd and the visitors then had a renewed effort in the final minutes to claw the game back but all attempts failed.
Preston head into the break sitting in second place on goal difference two points behind league leaders West Brom. North End face most of the top teams between now and the end of the year so if they can remain close to the league leaders by January then they will be in a good position heading to the second half of the season.