Grayson set up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Keane and Welsh sitting ahead of the back four as Kilkenny tried to support frontman Davies with Holmes and Humphrey supporting from the wing.
The story of the night was a microcosm of home games this season only against far better opposition than the standrad League One visitors. Preston dominated possession having 64% of the share of the ball and pepperred the goal with over 20 attempts.
It was Forest who took the lead after a corner was ounched out by Rudd. There was a suggestion of a foul on the egde of the box against a Preston defender but it would have been harsh if a free kick was to be given. Mackie expertly curled the ball through the crowd into the net.
From that point on Preston had numerous opportunities. There were two handball shouts int he box one of which looked clear and a number of fouls on Kevin Davies.
Substitute Garner hit the post and there were other opportunities where Preston came close including Davies who had a shot blocked when close in. The ball simply wasn't bouncing for Preston and it was one of those nights.
Forest seemed to only have two attacks all game and scored with their second on the break at the end of the game as Preston appeared to have run out of steam.
The performance was positive even if the result was not. Preston must now move on and try to convert these types of performances into home points which have been lacking so far this season.