Preston had the best of the possession but the game turned when Morecambe were awarded a first half penalty. Andy Lonergan appeared to pull his arms away from the Morecambe attacker and the referee was ready to point for a goal kick when his assistant flagged for a penalty.
Lonergan saved the spot kick and the game changed for good. A cross from the right was headed home by Brown from in between two defenders. Elliot then went on a waltzing run only for a late tackle to prevent him from shooting. From the resulting player Elliot headed Preston's second before the break.
Nicholson then broke into the box to make it a trio of headers as Preston went ahead even further at the start of the second half. Neal Trotman then came on to replace Youl Mawene and his forst touch was heading into the net from a corner.
Morecambe had very little of the ball with Lonergan only being forced into a save on a handful of occassions. Substitute Mellor banged in a left foot shot late on before Michael Twiss grabbed a consolation for the visitors at the death.