NORTH End's impressive unbeaten run in the league now stretches to 14 matches and this 2-0 win over oldham Athleticsuccess was a demonstration of clinical finishing by striker Jon Macken.
For an hour Preston threatened the Oldham goal, but for all their pressure it was that final pass, that killer finish, that was missing.
Mark Rankine released the excellent David Eyres down the left wing with a few yards in which to work.
The Preston winger looked up and delivered a perfect cross for Kurt Nogan to rattle the post and the ball fell to Macken with a difficult angle on goal, but he unleashed a rocket high into the roof of the net.
The goal settled Preston into a more confident mood and they pushed the ball around the park as Oldham battled away trying to get back into the match.
They almost did when Paul Ricker's low cross set up a chance for Steve Whitehall six yards out and only a brave dive at the striker's feet by Moilanen prevented an equaliser.
The second goal came three minutes from time when Gunnlaugsson raced clear of a static back four to slide the ball into the path of Macken to his right, who made the net bulge for his 14th goal of the season.
Oldham could only blame themselves for not taking something from the match, after failing to score from excellent chances in the first half.
Paul Rickers was set up after a fine move across the park, the ball fell perfectly for the Oldham winger only eight yards out.
Although he got an enormous amount of pace into his shot, Tepi Moilanen made a brilliant save.
Preston are improving and enjoying a fine season is David Eyres.
Not just for his skill down the wings with a series of excellent crosses, but his willingness to track back and help out the defence under pressure.
Oldham are back at Deepdale on Saturday in the FA Cup third round when they will try to prevent North End completing a hat-trick of victories against them this season, having lost to Preston on the opening day of the season at Boundary Pack.
Preston manager David Moyes said: "I am very pleased to have beaten Oldham 2-0, they are a good side.
"We were in control in the early part of the game but didn't get a goal.
"Jon Macken showed excellent finishing and we are very pleased with the confidence shown there."
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