A feature of the era post Westley has been continuitycontinuity in selection. Rudd returned between the posts as Connolly, Buchanan, Wright and Huntington now seem to have formed a solid backline conceding few and far between.
Hayhurst and Monakana started on the wings after being given a one year extension on their contracts along with Wright. Mousinho partnered Welsh in midfield at the expense of Wroe who was suspended. Garner played alongside King up front.
Tranmere have fallen from top spot over the second half of the season and North End finished any lingering hope that the visitors had of making the play offs.
Preston took the game to Tranmere and came close early on when Welsh a former Tranmere player smashed the post from a free kick. He later forced the keeper into a great save from a set piece.
The Whites took the lead before the break. King nodded the ball down to Hayhurst who beat his man to cross. The ball was cleared but only to Monakana who slotted home from twelve yards out.
The home side then had a scare when a header beat Rudd hitting the post and rolled across the line before being clear. This is the closest the itibg team came.
North End looked to put the game to bed in the second half having the majority of the game but they just couldn't convert their possession into goals.
Grayson will be happy with another clean sheet as well as maintaining his beaten home run since arriving at Deepdale. He now takes his charges to Crawley before the season closes at Sheffield United next weekend.
Source: WHITES
Source: FOOTYMAD
