Preston were facing a crucial point in their season after a poor run of form over the past couple of months. Games against Charlton and Barnsley represented an opportunity of playing teams who are struggling at the wrong end of the table and Preston took full advantage.
North End started poorly against Charlton. Fisher caught out of position allowed Charlton to raid down the left hand side. The cross was put in for Green to tap home. There was some irony given Green was barely given an opportunity whilst on loan at Deepdale.
Harrop then levelled the scores thanks to another superb strike. This one was with his left foot from the edge of the box. Preston then took control of the game and in the second half a Harrop corner was powered home by Bauer.
North End then travelled to Barnsley having not won away since the start of November and struggling to score goals on the road. Alex Neil tinkered with his fomration slightly as he started without a recognised striker but this paid dividends with three first half goals.
Barkhuizen started the scoring early finsihing off a slick move. Johnson then converted from inside the box on his right foot despite falling before Barkhuizen added a third.
Barnsley were shown to be a poor side with some average defending. Preston have beaten them well both times this season and there will be much tougher tests to come but North End have put themselves back in the chase for a play off spot.
The Whites currently sit in sixth place but have played a game more than most teams. They have created a little momentum which they will need to maintain when the league programme resumes in February.