The scoreline reflects that this was a close game but in all honesty Preston should have been out of sight before the visitors scored a very late penalty.
Preston grew into the first half and took the lead just before the break when a left wing cross was flicked towards goal by Riis. The ball ended up in the net although it may have taken a deflection from Dunne.
The goal changed the game and QPR had to come at Preston more as they were losing ground in the fight for the top six places. This created a more open game.
Preston took advantage when Archer fired home early in the second half to double the lead. North End then had numerous other opportunites to put the game to bed but failed to thake their chances.
As the game approached full time the referee awarded a penalty to the visitors for a shirt pull in the box. Gray converted but it was only a consolation.
North End now head into the Easter fixture programme with yet another home game. They will try to finish the season strongly to put them in good stead for the early start next season.