Wellbeck started up front with Brown whilst Mellor played out on the right wing Ipswich started the brighter but after ten minutes the pitch conditions seemed to get the better of both sides with some poor touches adn even poorer passes. Neither keeper was troubled and the score was goalless at the break.
The second half was livelier with Ipswich having a goal ruled out for offside. Within sixty seconds Mellor was clean through and slotted home only for the goal to be disallowed because of a moving ball from the free kick.
Neil Collins then came on for Mawene and within five minutes he nodded home a right wing cross to give North End the lead. Preston tried to take the initiative and pushed forward. Parkin came on for Mellor and Wallbeck played wide right.
Wallbeck was put through by Parkin and he lobbed the keeper from outside the box with a classy finish to justify his premier status. Preston now face Barnsley at home on Tuesday where they will look to catch ground on the play off chasing teams.