North End have not lost at Deepdale in 2014 in the league and it seems that visiting teams are now tooping to new lows to try to prevent Preston from taking anything from a home game at Deepdale.
Reid made his first league start on the left as Gallagher shifted inside to support Garner up front. Browne partnered Kilkenny in the centre of midfield whilst Jack King replaced the injured Bailey Wright. Preston lined up in a 4-4-2 formation.
The first half was fairly openwith both sides looking to attack and it was surprising that the deadlock was only broken just before the breal but the game was marred by a number of off the ball incidents mainly by the Vale backline.
Gallagher continued his flurry of goals after a poor start to the season as he grabbed another just before th ebreak. Prior to this either side had chances with Garner having an overhead kick saved.
The second half became a dirty affair and the referee didn't help matter by failing to produce cards early on. The Vale centre back pushed Garner off the ball flattening him to the ground. The referee missed the incident and somehow through the fourth official gave Garner a yellow card.
The centre back was later booked and substituted for his own safety as he was getting invovled in numerous skirmishes which warranted attention from the referee.
There was at leats one other time when Garner was pushed to the ground with the referee failing to take appropriste action until late on in the game.
Garner fouled Zubar and a free kick was rightly given. The tall centre back then appeared to mouth something to Garner who ran up to the centre back. The ball had been played and the referee was following the play when Zubar pushed Garner to the ground before giving the striker a forearm smash to the face.
The official on the sideline caught the incident and Zubar was rightly sent off with just over ten minutes remaining. He, like his partner at the back, had constantly been niggling at Garner thorughout the game and was lucky to stay on the pitch as long as he did.
Shortly afterwards Alan Browne sealed the win with an effort outside the box which was defelcted past the keeper who was falling the wrong way. Some may say it is exactly what the visitors deserved for spoiling the game with tactics from a bygone age.
Preston move up to fourth with the same points as Swindon. North End travel to Gillingham on Tuesday where they will be looking to keep up their current run of good form before a home game against Fleetwood on Saturday.