Abel Hernandez has now scored twice in the Championship this season
Goals from Abel Hernandez and Curtis Davies ensured Hull maintained their 100% record at the KC Stadium this season as they beat Preston.
Hernandez knew little about his 37th-minute opener, as Neil Kilkenny's clearance from a corner rebounded off the striker and beyond Jordan Pickford.
Pickford's point-blank save then denied Hernandez a second before the break.
Alan Browne headed over Preston's best chance to level, before Davies volleyed in a corner on 82 minutes.
It was Preston who started the brightest as Chris Humphrey forced a save from Alan McGregor in the opening 10 minutes.
Moses Odubajo then had Hull's best chance of the first half-an-hour, as he cut in from the right but fired his effort wide.
Steve Bruce's side then took the lead in fortuitous circumstances as Sam Clucas' corner was not dealt with at the first attempt, and from the resulting scramble Kilkenny's clearance struck Hernandez and flew past Pickford.
But the Preston goalkeeper then denied the Uruguayan a second of the game and third of the season, saving from close range after Michael Dawson's deflected effort had played his team-mate through.
The Lilywhites were then presented with a glorious chance to level, however Alan Browne could only head over following incisive link-up play from Paul Gallagher and Daniel Johnson.
And the hosts soon made sure of a third straight home league victory this season, and a fifth win in six against Preston.
Shaun Maloney – having been substituted on for his Hull debut after his recent move from MLS side Chicago Fire – whipped in a perfect corner which was side-volleyed in by Davies for his first goal for Hull since the 2014 FA Cup final.
Bruce on Hull City v Preston
Hull City manager Steve Bruce:
"Abel has scored two in a week. One came off his backside from a yard and the other was a tap-in from a yard.
"You can see he's handling life better and getting used to it. I'm still convinced we've got a very good player on our hands.
"I thought my two centre-halves today were terrific, absolutely terrific."
Preston manager Simon Grayson:
"Michael Dawson is man of the match so it tells you they have been tested.
"Dawson and Davies have played in the Premier League for many years so you can see how good their players are.
"We know where we need to strengthen, so we will see if we can do anything."