The game was far from a classic with Luton fighting for survival. The visitors slowed the game down with every goal kick and set piece. Players went down injured for long periods and at times Preston were frustrated.
Preston did take an early lead in the game. Bauer had his shirt pulled int he box at a set piece and a penalty was awarded. Gallagher blasted his spot kick down the middle but the keeper managed to save. The ball rebounded to Gallagher who fired home the rebound.
Preston had much of the game enjoying possession without securing a second goal. The visitors were then let back in the game. Bauer misplaced a pass and Luton broke forward. It ended with a harsh penalty decision as Mcmanaman appeared to go down under light contact. Collins scored from the spot just before the break.
It seemed that Preston were going to be left frustrated until late on when North End had the ball inside the box. The ball ended up with Stockley who was on as a subsitute and the big man kept his cool to slot home from close range.
The win gives Preston their second successive home victory and lifts them to third in the table ahead of a tricky festive period. North End face Cardiff away at Saturday lunchtime before they travel to Leeds on Boxing Day.