Standout star heads Preston to victory over Portsmouth | OneFootball

Alfie Devine settled it in the 40th minute with a glancing header, as Preston North End beat Portsmouth 1-0.

Ghosting between defenders, Devine met Andrija Vukcevic's measured cross and glanced it into the top right (40.). The movement created separation at the perfect moment and turned a balanced first half in Preston's favour.

After the restart, he kept Preston's counters tidy, taking early touches and shifting play into dangerous areas to relieve pressure and draw his side up the pitch.

He finished with three attempts, four touches in the box and eight successful final third passes, plus one tackle won and three recoveries. A neat mix of threat and graft that underpinned the result.

Because Preston ceded possession (37.1%), his timing to arrive in the area and combine quickly was pivotal, giving Preston a reliable outlet whenever turnovers appeared.

Preston rise from ninth to seventh in the Championship and host Watford next. Portsmouth stay 19th and host Sheffield United next.