There are worrying signs for Preston after two lacklustre performances on the road with the most congested part of the fixture list right ahead. North End were well beaten by Hull and the score could have been double the 4-0 scoreline.
Most were perplexed by the team selection with only one recognised full back and Ledson playing like a spare part. At times there were many square pegs in round holes.
For the record Bowen opened the scoring in the first half. Magennis scored from the spot after the break before Grosicki added a thid and Bowen netted his second.
Preston did hit the woodwork twice but that is not the real story. Rudd kept the scoreline from being even more embarrassing and Preston head into a game with the league leaders lacking any confidence.
Hull might make a surge for the top six but at present they are midtable similar to Derby. Preston must take points from the midtable teams if they are to secure a top six spot but after last night North End are likely to slip out of the play off places if they continue to underperform.
It was a good start to the season but that is all it was. North End have hit the buffers. Whilst the injury list is not as long as other seasons it hasn't helped but there appears to be little or no contongency in place and many players now appear to be performing far from their best.
Preston do have a good home record so there is hope that they can halt this mini slide but performances will have to drastically improve.