Grayson has urged fans not to press the panic button after Preston suffered their first loss in the league for two months as theys uffered a 2-1 reverse at Sheffield United.
The first half was fairly even with the host restricted to a couple of long shots and Preston having the better of the possession. Beckford had a couple of headers which went well wide and the finishing was poor.
The home side came out the stronger int he second half although the first goal did have some fortune about it. A shot which appeared to be going wide was deflected into the path of McNulty who chipped over Stuckmann from inside the six yard box.
The lead was then doubled after a mistake from substitute Brownhill in midfield. He lost the ball cheaply and United countered outnumbering Preston with Campbell Ryce applying the finish.
The visitors got one back in injury time when Brownhill scored froma free kick and there was almost an equaliser as Huntington who was sent up front managed a header but only directing it straight at the keeper.
Grayson will now view the next three games as matches where Preston should win as they face Leyton Orient and Yeovil at home with Crawley away at the end of the month. The gap to Bristol City is now six points and any larger gap would be a concern for Preston.