Lancashire | Alfie Devine shines for Preston North End

Derby County 0 - 1 Preston North End

Alfie Devine delivered Preston North End their first Championship away victory of the season with a thumping first-half strike at Derby County.

Author | Josh T

Stadium | Pride Park

Preston on the attack

The Tottenham loanee rifled into the top corner from distance to give the visitors the lead before the interval. Derby’s Jacob Widell Zetterstrom denied Milutin Osmajic to prevent further damage, but the home side remain without a win at Pride Park this campaign.

Patrick Agyemang, the United States international and a recent £6m signing, injected energy after coming off the bench. He created an opening for Craig Forsyth before testing Daniel Iversen himself, yet Derby could not find a leveller and slipped to 21st in the table.

For Preston, the victory keeps them among the frontrunners in fifth, a point shy of Stoke City in second.

In the build-up, manager Paul Heckingbottom had underlined the Lilywhites’ need to compete without lavish spending, insisting they would not roll over when judged against bigger budgets. His squad overhaul this summer brought 12 arrivals, including Devine, who justified his inclusion with the decisive moment.

Kick off in Derby

The first half brought chances at both ends. Zetterstrom kept out Osmajic, while Brereton Díaz tested Iversen in response. After the interval, Derby boss John Eustace turned to Agyemang, who had impressed in last week’s win at West Brom. He unsettled Preston’s defence but was unable to beat Iversen when his best chance came just after the hour.

Derby and Preston North End fans react

Warren: A disappointing result, though hardly unexpected given Derby’s struggles this season. Preston are an excellent side and Heckingbottom has them well drilled, so there can be few complaints about the outcome.

Gavin: Derby have been poor from the outset this campaign, but this was the lowest point yet. The team looks slow, predictable and lacking ideas. It is difficult to see anything other than a long, hard season ahead.

Bernard: Whisper it quietly, but Preston look a serious outfit this season. Winning away, beating strong sides, keeping clean sheets and adding exciting young players to the squad. There is quality in goal, goalscorers spread across the team, depth on the bench and fierce competition for places. It is a hard-working group and there is a lot to admire.

Mikey: Our first away win in a long time and fully deserved. The key now is to stay focused and avoid the lapses that cost us last season.