Ferguson had to make changes with Parkin suspended. Hume faced his old club after the saga of the last week was resolved. Barton played in a more advnaced role off the front man.
Preston had two main chances in the game. One in the first minute when Barton couldn't steer his shot into the net and at the end when ex-Leicester defender, Wayne Brown failed to convert a headed chance.
Ex North End loanee Paul Gallacher scored the only goal of the game to send Preston to another away day defeat. The Whites now sit one position above the relegation zone but should they fall to defeat next week at Bristol City then they will drop into the relegation zone.