Grayson changed things around for the second weke running knowing that he needs to keep his side fresh for the pending play offs. Carlisle probably put in their poorest performance at Deepdale for many a year as they lacked any fight and played like a team in need of confidence.
Preston switched to a 4-4-2. Wright was left ont he bench to avoid a yellow card and 2 game sus[ension. Garner was at his wife's side in hospital who was giving birth. Welsh was also suspended.
Browne and Kilkenny started inmidfield with Holmes on the right and a return for Gallagher on the left. Craig Davies started alongside a recalled Beavon up front. King played alongside Clarke at the back with Kenae and Laird filling the full back places.
The home side had barely started to apply the accelerator when they found themselves two goals up against what looked like a poor Carlisle outfit.
The first came from a free kick expertly floated in by Gallagher and Beavon powered home a header. The second came from a jinxing Holmes run who beat several players before the ball was bundled home by Brown.
The visitors came back intot he game before the break after some sloppy play from Preston allowed Madine to pull a goal back but that was as close as Carlisle got.
Holmes turned from provider into scorer in the second half as he scored from close range before Craig Davies put on his shooting boots to score a quick fire hat trick towards the end of the half.
The first of his three went into the net from close range off his knee with the second another close range effort off his heel. The third was more energetic as he beat his man before slotting home.
Results elsewhere meant that Preston stay fifth but with the same points and games tally as Rotherham. The Whites remain one point behind Leyton Orient and eight behind Brenford with the two sides meeting on Good Friday.