Portsmouth’s winning streak came to an end at Deepdale as Alfie Devine’s first-half header secured a 1-0 victory for Preston North End in a lacklustre encounter on difficult playing conditions.
Manager John Mousinho made one alteration to the team that defeated West Brom, bringing in debutant Jacob Brown to replace the injured Colby Bishop, who sustained an ankle problem against the Baggies.
Paraguayan winger Gustavo Caballero was named amongst the substitutes following his deadline day signing, whilst former Fratton Park forward Callam Lang was absent from Preston’s squad despite his recent move to the club.
The match kicked off at 3.01pm in support of Every Minute Matters, the Sky Bet and British Heart Foundation partnership promoting CPR awareness.
Portsmouth dominated the early exchanges, with captain Regan Poole producing a mazy run before delivering a dangerous cross. Zak Swanson had an attempt blocked before Brown’s shot was deflected wide as the visitors controlled possession without creating clear-cut opportunities.
Ebou Adams met an Adrian Segečić free-kick with a header that lacked sufficient power to trouble goalkeeper Dai Cornell, whilst Preston gradually settled into proceedings.
Controversy erupted on 30 minutes when Adams’ header sent Segečić racing through on goal, with the Australian appearing to be fouled by Jordan Storey. Referee Adam Herczeg waved away Portsmouth’s protests, leaving the visitors frustrated.
Preston broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time when Andrija Vukčević delivered an excellent cross from the left flank, which Devine met with a precise header into the top corner.
Portsmouth almost responded immediately as Millenic Alli’s low drive forced Cornell into a smart save around the post.
The second period continued in scrappy fashion, with both teams hampered by a deteriorating pitch surface. Lewis Dobbin charged into the box for the hosts but fired over the crossbar.
Segečić collected Conor Chaplin’s pass and cut inside purposefully, only for Ben Whiteman to block the Australian’s effort.
Mousinho introduced Marlon Pack and Makenzie Kirk on 69 minutes, replacing Chaplin and Brown. Pack soon launched a long throw which eventually found Alli, who failed to connect cleanly.
Portsmouth pressed for an equaliser as Swanson’s corner was met by Adams, with Storey clearing off the line. The ball ricocheted around the penalty area before Cornell eventually gathered possession.
Caballero entered the action as a substitute for Andre Dozzell to make his Portsmouth debut, whilst Aji Alese and John Swift were also introduced for the closing stages.
Alli delivered a teasing cross across goal which evaded everyone as Portsmouth continued to apply pressure. Caballero’s long-range effort was blocked before Swift’s corner was tipped against the crossbar by Cornell.
Connor Ogilvie’s low strike was also kept out by the Preston goalkeeper as Portsmouth ran out of time to find a leveller.
Preston North End (4-2-3-1): Cornell; Offiah, Storey, Gibson, Vukčević (Valentín 59); McCann (Thompson 76), Whiteman (c); Small, Dobbin (Moran 87), Devine; Luković (Smith 46)
Goal: Devine 40
Booked: McCann, Thompson, Cornell
Portsmouth (4-2-3-1): Schmid; Devlin, Poole (c), Ogilvie, Swanson (Alese 86); Dozzell (Caballero 79), Adams; Segečić (Swift 86), Chaplin (Pack 69), Alli; Brown (Kirk 69)
Booked: Alese
Referee: Adam Herczeg
Attendance: 16,034 (1,748 Portsmouth supporters)
