Grayson kept an unchanged side from the midweek victory over Huddersfield despite the players having one day less to rest than their counterparts at Norwich who played on Tuesday instead of Wednesday.
Tactically Preston switched to a five man midfield with Robinson and Hughill switching roles throughout the game to take up a place on the right wing. Gallgher operated more centrally as Pearson anchored the midfield.
The game could have had two goals within the first five minutes. Cameron Jerome looked offside but when put through he could not convert. Moments later Hughill was put through atthe other end but could not convert.
Norwich had much of the ball but all of the hsots seemed to be from distance and rarely troubled Maxwell. Preston had a golden opportunity before half time when Robinson was put through but he fired against the keeper from an acute angle.
North End started the second half brightly. Pringle was played through but he backed off allowing the keeper to get to the ball first. It was a sign of a player low on confidence not throwing his body on the line.
The hosts had much of the ball shooting from far and wide but could not break down Preston. The visitors then took the lead thanks to a Daniel Johnson free kick right in front of the travelling support. Johnson crossed for Baptiste to head home.
Norwich then threw everything at Preston. A shot hit the post within a minute of Preston scoring and then North End cleared one off the line as well as keeping out a couple of dangerous free kicks.
Preston held on and move up to ninth in the table. More importantly they continue their unbeaten run against the sides at the top of the table.