The first half was fairly flat. This was unsurprising given Preston's recent poor home form and Sheffield Wednesday struggling with a new manager in charge.
There was little by way of goal attempts from either side but there were two main talking points in the first period. Windass and Rafferty both went for the ball.
The Wednesday player went high with his leg. The challenge looked clumsy and whilst he did try to pull out his foot appeared to connect half way up Rafferty's chest. Windass was shown a straight red card.
The only other talking point was when Sinclair went on a run at the defence. It seemed that he was tripped in the box but the referee simply waved play on.
Neil changed things at half time. Potts who was ineffective was replaced and Rafferty also went off as Preston went to a back three. Stockley joined Riis up front whilst Gallagher slotted into midfield.
Preston took the lead shortly after the break. Ledson put a cross into the box. The keeper could only punch out to Barkhuizen who guided the ball into the net with his left foot.
North End continued to dominate possession without threatening. Johnson had a shot wide and as Wednesday threw everything forward late on but Preston were unable to capitalise on the break.
More positive news was that Pearson also came on as a substitute and should now feature over the next few weeks as the games start to come thick and fast again.
It was not an inspiring performance but it was a win. Preston need to try and build on this at home if they are going to have any chance of being int he mix for a top six place.