Preston helped their play-off chances with an easy victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

First half goals from David Healey and Graham Alexander made it five wins from six for Preston, leaving Palace struggling uncomfortably near the relegation trapdoor.

After surviving a good early spell from Palace which saw the home side hit the post, Preston went in front on eight minutes.

Paul McKenna provided the midfield pass to Jon Macken who cleverly switched play and passed to Healey who from 15 yards out beat Alex Kolinko with a low left foot shot which found the corner of the net.

With Mark Rankine dominating midfield, Preston waited another 15 minutes when they added a second from the penalty spot.

Rankine raced into the box after a slip from Fan Zhiyi and Alexander's kick was perfect as it rocketed past Kolinko and into the top corner.

Palace had little to offer although Clinton Morrison blasted over midway through the second half.

Tommy Black, after dribbling past redundant keeper Teuno Moilanen, cursed a goalmouth divot as he lost control with an open goal in front of him.

Macken hit the post for Preston and Healey followed with a header over the bar as Preston cruised to an easy three points.

Teams:

Crystal Palace: Kolinko, Karic, Upson, Austin, Smith, Zhiyi (Rubins 45), Rodger (Gray 71), Black, Thomson (Mullins 62), Morrison, Forssell.

Subs Not Used: Freedman, Fuller.

Booked: Austin.

Preston: Moilanen, Alexander, Jackson, Gregan, Murdock, Edwards, Rankine, McKenna, Cartwright, Healy (Barry-Murphy 89), Macken.

Subs Not Used: Lucas, Kidd, Gunnlaugsson, Anderson.

Goals: Healy 8, Alexander 24 pen.

Att: 15,160

Ref: R Pearson (Peterlee).