The scoreline was not reflective of the game and Preston wasted several glorious chancs to put this match to bed. The general consensus was that this game could easily have ended up as a four or five goal victory.
Neil said he was going to change his lineup from the defeat at Derby but the injury to Cunningham meant a vastly different back line. Josh Earl was given a debut at left back with Ben Davies surprisingly replacing Tommy Spurr to partner Huntington.
Ben Pearson returned in midfield and picked up his customary booking although this time he was unlucky given that he appeared to win the ball fairly.
Maguire and Harrop were given starts alongsde Barkhuizen who supported lone striker Hugill. There was clearly an attacking intent from the start.
Pearson had an attempt early on after some good play but his shot was saved by the keeper. North End did take the lead in the first half after another good move.
Barkhuizen kept the ball in down the left before turning back and crossing. Maguire nodded the ball back across goal to Hugill who was free. The big striker chested down before volleying home.
The home side controlled the game throughout and should have had more. Barkhuizen, Hugill and substitute Mavididi all had good chances to add to the lead.
Preston managed to keep a clean sheet and hold on for the victory having only conceded a penalty so far this season. This is Preston's best start to a season since they returned to the Championship.