Westley unsurprisingly changed his side from Saturday's defeat against Sheff Utd with one enforced change as Bailey Wright was out injured but there was some surprises fromt he Preston manager.
Simonsen returned in goal for Stuckmann who presumably lost his placefor failing to prevent the solitary goal on Saturday. The defence was also changed with Keane remaining at right back but Candell-Sherriff coming in at left back. Robertson partnered Huntington in the centre.
Laired moved furtehr forward on the left wing with Monakana out right. Welsh and Wroe retained their central positions whilst Jack King pushed forward to support Beavon.
Preston started the quicker of the two sides with Wroe bagging his first after less than a minute. He soon added a second before compelting his hat trick by the aid of a deflection before the clock had hit 35 minutes.
It appeared that the game was over and Preston in control but ex-loan striker Leon Clarke pulled one back before half time before former North Ender Hawley scored after the break to leave North End holding on towards the end.
The victory ensures that Preston stay in touch with the play off contenders and more importantly the gap to Tranmere at the top is now only 9 points which can be reduced further on Saturday if Preston win at Prenton Park.