Beating Watford last weekend was a great boost to Derby after a string of successive draws home and away (with the occasional loss thrown in the mix as well). Travelling to Preston was bound to be a difficult game for us but Derby weren’t giving up that easily.

The first half was quite a tense battle. Derby showed good determination although there were few opportunities to up the ante from away goals. Preston were also a strong side who looked extremely comfortable.

It was in the 30th minute when Sean St Ledger knocked in a goal for Preston, giving the home side the lead.

Plenty of opportunities arose for Derby with shots from Paul Green, Kris Commons and Rob Hulse challenging Preston keeper Andy Lonergan but nothing was strong enough to beat him.

Jon Parkin was the man to hit the nail in the coffin for Derby after a smash from 18 yards gave the home side two goals over Derby and, in the end, all three points.