North End's problems aren't suddenly going to disappear overnight but they managed to pick up four points from their first two games following the break keeping clean sheets in both games.
As I stated before the break it was unlikely that the defence would continue with uncharacteristic mistakes and they returned to type with two fairly solid performances.
It is the other end of the pitch which still concerns Preston. They drew a blank away at Sunderland in front of a strong visiting contingent as the two sides played out a goalless draw.
The midweek game against West Brom at Deepdale was live before the Sky cameras. North End started well and had a number of opportunities cleared by a struggling visiting side.
Riis eventually smashed in a ball from a left wing cross to give North End an early lead. Preston were on top for the most of the first half but as per usual they couldn't consolidate their dominance.
The visitors came back into the game in the second half and had a number of opportunities but could not convert which suggests why they are struggling this season.
Preston will be glad of the points but the same issues remain and if North End are to make any progress then they will need to be more clinical in the attacking third.