Alex Neil changed his strategy slightly on Saturday playing Maguire as the lone frontman against a tall Bolton backline. The plan was effective as North End managed to get in behind Bolton on a number of occasions.
Preston had numerous chances to kill the game off but were thankful for a late first half strike from Browne and a Barkhuizen effort when he was played through in the last ten minutes.
Donaldson pulled one back for the home side who were never int he game until they made late substitutes and through everything forward. Rudd did make a fine save in injury time to prevent an unjust equaliser.
Potts, Barkhuizen and Maguire all had chances to put Preston out of sight before the frantic ending. All in all North End will be happy with another away win and the extension of the recent unbeaten run.
There is now a distinct gap between the mid-table teams and the handful who have been cut adrift at the bottom. Preston are now looking upwards rather than over their shoulders and will be hoping to finish as high as possible in the table.