Simon Grayson's side has looked more settled in recent weeks with the back four of Wiseman, Wright, Clarke and Buchanan maintaining their places. Kilkenny started alongside the youngsters Brownhill and Browne in midfield whilst Gallagher and Humphrey supported Garner.
This game could have ended up any score as there was some positive forward play but some poor defending for both teams throughout the ninety minutes.
The visitors took the lead when Preston allowed time and space in the box for their opponents. Healey had time and no proessure before he was allowed to convert.
This stunned Preston into life who equalised soon after with Alan Browne side footing home. Wiseman then scored after a fantastic run down the right, cutting into the box and firing past the keeper. He has been on form since returning to the side and put in another good attcking performance on Saturday.
More sloppy defending allowed Colchester to come back into the game before the break with a shot that the keeper appeared to have no chance of saving albeit again Gilbey had time nad space to shoot.
North End then manage to retake the lead after the break. Gallagher shot from around thirty yards and in normal circumstances the keeper should have save and will be disappointed over conceding a poor goal.
The scoring finished when Humphrey was put through and managed to convert. Preston did also hit the bar twice once towards the end of the game when substitute Robinson curled a wicked shot onto the bar from distance.
The defending needs to improve and against a better side the scoreline could have been different but Colchester are struggling and Preston managed to solidify their top six place moving to within six points of the leaders with a game in hand.