Changes were made from the recent victory away at Watford. North End reverted to type with one up front at home which clearly stifles Preston going forward.
Browne played at right back with Hughes on the opposite flank. Lindsay and Storey both impressed on Friday night and maintained their places. Molumby, Whiteman and Johnson played in midfield with Sinclair and Barkhuizen out wide supporting Evans.
The game was tight and given Watford's poor scoring record away and Preston generally having difficulty at home this semeed like a low scoring affair.
The best chances fell to Evans in the first half. A ball over the top from Whiteman found the striker in the box. He had time but could only blast over when he should have hit the target. Moments later he had a shot from an acute angle which hit the side netting.
Preston defended well and kept Watford at arms length with shots from range. After the break the game changed when Barkhuizen tangled with Pedro who fell in the box. It was soft but the attacker was brought down and the referee gave a penalty.
Pedro converted from the spot and that was pretty much the end of that. Preston brought on Riis and Gordon but the best chances for both sides seemed to come from set pieces.
Watford had a free kick from range which curled just over the bar whilst Preston had a couple of attempts from corners but they never really looked like making a breakthrough.
It was a frustrating night for Preston who defensively did little wrong but as per usual they lacked the creativity to get past a stubborn Watford defence.