Preston climb to seventh as Devine's header downs Portsmouth | OneFootball

Preston North End beat Portsmouth 1-0 at Deepdale as Alfie Devine's first half header lifted the hosts from ninth to seventh in the Championship.

Devine broke the deadlock in the 40th minute, glancing in Andrija Vukcevic's fine cross from the right.

David Cornell kept Preston in front with a smart low save from André Dozzell (42.), setting the tone for a solid second half from the hosts.

After the restart, Michael Smith was introduced at half time and Pol Valentín replaced Vukcevic (59.), as Preston dug in and protected their lead.

Portsmouth pushed late on. Millenic Alli was denied by Cornell (78.), and substitute Makenzie Kirk steered wide from close range (89.).

Seven minutes were indicated, and Connor Ogilvie's close range header was saved by Cornell in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time.

Portsmouth dominated the ball with 62.9% possession and forced 14 corners as they chased a leveller. Preston mustered seven attempts, three on target, and held firm with disciplined defending.

Next, Preston host Watford. Portsmouth welcome Sheffield United.