Preston North End

REPORT: Preston North End 0 Derby County 1

Derby County have finally returned to winning ways in the Sky Bet Championship with a 1-0 victory against Preston North End at Deepdale.

Tom Lawrence’s stunning 25-yard free-kick early in the second half secured a first win in nine league outings for The Rams.

The first half saw the home side create some good half chances while midfielder Alan Browne was guilty of missing a penalty kick.

Tom Barkhuizen registered the first shot on target of the match but he couldn’t beat visiting keeper Scott Carson from an acute angle while Paul Gallagher’s effort from outside of the box deflected just wide.

The most lively player on the pitch was The Lilywhites’ forward Callum Robinson but the player was unable to find a way past Carson who saved a shot with his feet before seeing a headed effort bounce just wide of the far post.

Preston North End had a perfect chance to take the lead nine minutes before the break when Derby County defender Andre Wisdom hauled down Browne in the box. The midfielder stepped up to take the spot kick himself but scuffed it wide of the post as Carson won the psychological battle.

The visitors’ best chances to score came early in the half but Andreas Weimann could not get a shot away and the two sides went into the break with the game locked in stalemate.

The deadlock was broken early in the second half when Derby County were awarded a free-kick 25-yards from goal. Lawrence stepped up to take the kick and the player fired it low into the bottom corner of the net to give The Rams the lead.

Gary Rowett’s side were close to grabbing a second goal just after the hour but nobody could get connection on Weimann’s delicious cross before Paul Huntington lashed the ball over the bar following a free-kick at the other end.

Preston North End searched for an equaliser and substitute Louis Moult sliced an effort just wide before Derby County should have won it but Kasey Palmer dragged his effort the wrong side of the post.

Gallagher fired over when a golden opportunity came his way late on while Billy Bodin struck shot straight at Carson after finding a glimpse of goal.

In the end, former England international keeper Carson was largely untroubled as his side went on to notch a 1-0 win and collect a crucial three points.

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