It was a game of two halves away at Stoke. Preston were poor in the first forty five minutes. They had a ten minute period early on where they had lots of possession but as per usual lacked any decisiveness or killer instinct especially without Gallagher or Harrop.
Maguire again looked lost on his own up front which wasn't helped by long balls played up from the back. Neil did start to try and change things switchng around his front three but Stoke had the better chances in the first half.
Rudd saved on a number of occasions and there were blocks which prevented the home side taking the lead. Preston were fortunate to go in at the break level.
After the break Preston managed to break the deadlock with their first real attack of the game. It came from a corner. Browne found himself some space and fired home from close range.
North End doubled their lead after Gallagher had just come off the bench. Barkhuizen was allowed some space in the box and similar to Browne he fired home from close range.
Despite some late altercations Preston saw out the game to remain in sixth place but the gap to the automatic places is now only three points with a number of clubs eyeing up second place.
Preston now face Millwall at home where they will be looking to continue this recent good run of form.