Grayson went with a 4-4-2 formation but played Barkhuizen through the middle up top supporting Hugill as Robinson sat on the bench. Horgan and McGeady played out wide.
Preston were udner pressure for the first thirty minutes as Reading got into an early groove. Staam has changed the Reding side this season and they are a dangerous team passing out from the back.
There were a number of shots from range but only one really troubled Maxwell which he managed to palm away. The game then changed when Preston scored the first goal of the game.
Barkhuizen has had an impressive week after scoring at Fulham and Derby he netted the first at Deepdale with a curling effort just inside the box. Preston never looked back afterwards.
Shortly afterwards Barkhuizen broke from the edge of his box after a Reading corner. He ran the length of the field with the ball supported by Horgan. As they both entered the box they almost contrived to miss the opportunity as they nearly collided but Horgan managed to finish the chance.
The game was over just after the break when Barkhuizen scored his second and Preston had a number of opportunities to add to their total but failed to convert.
North End sit six points off Sheffield Wednesday who retain the last play off spot and play Reading on Friday evening who occupy fifth position. Preston will have an oppotunity on Saturday to gain points on at least one of Wednesday or Reading.