Preston lined up in a 3-5-2 formation but there was definitely a change in emphasis. Browne and Johnson were pushed further forward in midfield with Whiteman sat back as an anchor.
North End had chances in the first half to take the lead. Johnson shot over when he should have done better. Maguire was also played through. He could have squared to Riis but delayed which meant he had a more difficult shot on the angle.
Although Preston attacked with more verve they were still shaky at the back. Barnsley hit the bar from a header in the first half. McCann looked shkay at right wing back and there are still concerns from set pieces and crosses.
Preston took the lead in the second half when Browne rounded off a good move. It was a deserved lead as Preston showed momentum in attack and looked dangerous.
The visitors did equalise. There was a touch of fortune with an initial deflected shot and potential offside but Woodrow levelled the scores. It was then a question of how Preston would react and they continued to go forward.
The winner came when Whiteman pulled back a free kick to Johnson who had dropped back to the edge of the box. His shot got through a crowd of bodies ending up int he net.
There are still aspects which need working on but overall it was a positive start for Lowe with something to build on. North End now head into a busy period where they can pick up points to lift themselves up the table.