PRESTON boss Simon Grayson was surprised by the number of changes made by opposite number Mark Cooper as North End won out 3-0 at Deepdale.

Grayson was anticipating some alterations to the Swindon side from the draw against Walsall, but did not see Cooper resting seven players and giving opportunities to four academy players.

It made the task for Preston markedly easier and they never had to engage top gear as Joe Garner’s hat-trick proved more than enough to see off Town’s challenge.

Obviously Grayson was not complaining about the changes made by Cooper.

The Deepdale chief understood the thought process behind the Town manager’s decision and was impressed by his opponents' young charges.

“They made some changes today, but you’ve seen from their young players today, the way they passed it and moved it – they can cause you problems,” Grayson said.

“I was aware, given what he (Cooper) was saying the press that he was going to make a few changes. I was surprised by the number, to be fair.

“I don’t think the ones who came in let Swindon (Town) Football Club down. I thought they passed the ball around and moved it quickly.

“Obviously the (footballing) ethos goes right the way through the club and there’s probably one or two of those young players who have got a bright future.

“If you’ve got a squad has been tested over a long season and has got a few niggles then no problem.

“(Cooper) is saying he will bring a few back who will be more fresh and ready for Tuesday night, but I can’t affect what other teams do.

“Mark’s obviously gone with the theory of what he thinks is going to be best for Swindon Town.”

Key to North End’s success was the high pressing from their front line. It harried Town’s usually-composed defence while Preston picked them off with clinical attacking play.

The third goal in particular was ruthless, Jermaine Beckford robbed Sam Ricketts and ran at Jack Stephens, before firing a shot. It came back off the bar into the path of Joe Garner to head home.

Grayson was pleased to see his plans work so effectively.

“We work hard on the opposition as well as the stuff that we do,” he added. “You have to press high up the pitch because they’ve got some good footballers.”

“We had to press and be patient at times. I know the supporters want you push up all the time and go get the ball off of them, but you have to disciplined, nick things and then break.

“All around the players carried out the instructions they were told to do.”