Preston North End climbed into the Championship play-off places with a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic, ending the visitors' four-match unbeaten run on a windswept afternoon at Deepdale. Former Charlton winger Thierry Small broke the deadlock midway through the second half with a deflected strike before Daniel Jebbison's late finish secured the points in a contest of few clear-cut chances.
In a game shaped as much by the wind and rain as by the two of the division's most organised defences, moments rather than sustained spells of attacking fluency decided the outcome. Small, jeered throughout by the travelling support after his summer move from The Valley, made the key breakthrough, and Jebbison's first goal for Preston killed off spirited Charlton resistance and capped a result that underlined the Lilywhites' growing momentum.
Defences dominate in a scrappy opening half
With both sides boasting defensive records among the Championship's best and the elements swirling around Deepdale, it was little surprise that the opening stages were cagey. Preston, who have built their bright early-season form on a solid platform, saw more of the ball, while Charlton were content to sit in their shape and contain, trusting in their organisation and excellent away record, which had seen them beaten just once on the road before this trip.