Without a recognised right back Alex Neil switched to a 5-3-2 formation. Storey was brought in from the cold to play alongside Lindsay and Hughes.
Cunningham and Browne featured as wingbacks with Barkhuizen supporting Evans up from. Johnson played alongside Whiteman and Ledson in midfield.
Preston opened the scoring on the counter attack after Browne swicthed the play with a perfect crossfield pass to Cunnigham who controlled the ball beautifully. He shot on the angle from the edge of the box giving the keeper no chance as the ball nestled in the back of the net.
North End were the most dangerous of the two sides. They had a couple of corners and Evans appeared to be tripped in the box but the referee waved away shouts for a penalty.
The lead was doubled from an inswinging corner. Lindsay rose above his marker at the near post to nod home from around two yards out. It was simplistic but effective.
The game then changed just before the break thanks to a shocking decision fromt he officials. Hughes was judged to have tripped Gallagher in the box. The forward appeared to be falling and any contact was minimal.
Armstrong converted the penalty. Moments later the forward was in again at the near post when he tried to stab home but was denied by a superb low save from Iversen.
After the break Barkhuizen and Johnson had efforts from range whilst the home side were restricted in terms of chances. The game then opened up as time went on.
Riis came on and was through on goal. He was touched by the last defender inside the box. He stayed on his feet but if he had fallen it was a certain penalty. Unfortunately, he was off balance and shot straight at the keeper.
Potts also had an opportunity on the break. Riis was free to his left and Evans to his right but he decided to shoot which proved to be the wrong option.
Both sides did get the ball in the net. Dack was ruled offside for Blackburn and Evans was offisde after a shot deflected off him into the net.
Preston held on for the deserved win with some good performances around the pitch. They need to build on this and get some consistency towards the end of the season.