In a goal of few opportunities played on a difficult Deepdale playing surface, the decisive goal was on 40 minutes when Alfie Devine’s looping header from Andrija Vukcevic’s cross found the net.
The Blues may fee; aggrieved not to have won a first-half penalty for Jordan Storey’s challenge on Adrian Segecic, while Andre Dozzell also drew a smart save from Dai Cornell.
Yet they struggled to carve out too many chances and ended up losing 1-0 – and here are our player ratings...
9. Adrian Segecic - 6
(86 mins John Swift)- Huge calls for a penalty in 30 minutes when Storey challenged him from behind, yet a goal kick was given. Ploughed on with usual energy and effort, but very little came. Mixed results with his corner delivery. Photo: Graham Hunt
10. Conor Chaplin - 6
(69 mins Marlon Pack) - Hoped to build on his West Brom breakthrough last weekend, yet the loanee’s sharp play struggled on the poor pitch and he couldn’t get going in an attacking sense. | Alun Roberts/ProSportsImages
11. Millenic Alli - 7
Once again Pompey’s best attacking threat. Had some quiet spells, but always a huge concern for Preston with his pace and directness. Fizzed one late cross across goal and another was just put wide by Kirk. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
12. Jacob Brown - 6
(69 mins Makenzie Kirk - Deadline day arrival was handed his debut in the absence of Bishop, leading the line. Showed some good movement and battling qualities in the lone striker role, but lack of match fitness showed in the end. Steady-enough debut. | Alun Roberts