Grayson was forced into one change with Humphrey being away on international duty but the shape of the team also changed with the personnel.
Preston went to a flat back four with Buchanan slotting in at left back. Laird played in front of him whilst Holmes played out right although the two interchange throughout the game.
The home side took an early lead rather fortunately. A free kick was awarded just outside the box and with Byrom on a hot streal rceently it was he who took the kick. As the ball entered the box Beavon inadvertenly directed the ball with his head past the stranded keeper.
From then on it was all Oldham. The visitors played a crisp passing game with some tempo and held the ball well at times. They created several chances int he first half alone with Rudd and the defence making several last gasp clearances.
Against the run of play North End managed to double their lead before the break. Davies was barged over in the box and he took the resulting penalty firing into the roof of the net for his first Preston goal.
Oldham came out in the second half with much of the same passing football but without a breakthrough. North End played on the break and should have put the game out of sight.
Laird was placed through when his angled left foot shot whizzed past the post with the keeper to beat. Davies was also put through when he stumbled in the box.
It was then a nervy last few minutes as Oldham scored from a corner. The visitors feigned to take a short corner creating space for Tarkowski to run into who wasn't tracked and managed to head home from the corner.
Preston held on for all three points much to the relief of the Deepdale crowd who witness a North End side that was second best for much of the match. North End move up to sixth int he early season table remaining unbeaten and will now face Stevenage at home on Saturday.