Momentum is a key word for most teams at this time of the season either fighting at the bottom or trying to get promoted. After last week's defeat to Ipswich, North End needed to put in a performance to keep the large following contingent celebrating Gentry Day.
Preston actually started the better and with a bit more composure they may have taken an early lead but again it was issues in the final third which caused Preston problems. Barkhuizen looked as if he had the beating of his man whilst Bodin also looked a threat.
Bolton took the lead against the run of play with their first attack of the day. The referee awarded a corner when the ball appeared to come off the foot of a Bolton player last.
North End failed to clear the corner and Beevers managed to stab the ball home through a crowd of players. The goal changed the game and the home side came more into the match.
The visitors started lumping balls forward which played into the hands of the tall Bolton backline who only had to mark Callum Robinson who was the sole striker.
There was frustration from the visiting fans as it was clear that Preston had to get the ball down and use pace out wide. This was evident after the break as Preston took control.
Preston found an equaliser early in the second half. Robinson managed to play in Barkhuizen who used his pace to sprint through on goal and strike past the keeper.
The away side were in the ascendency and threatened persistently but could not find a way through until Neil made a double substitution. Harrop and the returning Maguire came on for the last thirty minutes.
The game swung even further in favour of Preston as Harrop found Robinson who stormed into the box. He found Maguire who found the net from around six yards out to give Preston the lead.
Maguire was lively after several months out and netted his second as time was running out when Harrop found Maguire free in the box to slot home.
It was a deserved victory in front of the large visting contingent who were celebrating Gentry Day. The subsitutions made by Neil just added to the momentum which was swinging Preston's way.
North End stay in touch with the top six but the season is now reaching crunch time. Preston have two crucial home games against Bristol City and Fulham who both sit in the top six. Draws are no longer sufficient at this time of the season and Preston will have to go all out if they want to be in the end of season lottery.