Manager is happy with performance but not the result

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom felt his side were worthy of at least a point at Fratton Park.

- by George Hodgson

The Lilywhites suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Portsmouth, who took all three points in the final league game before the international break.

Andre Dozzell’s deflected strike, four minutes before halftime, proved enough for John Mousinho’s side to run out winners on home soil.

A double blow was landed to PNE before the game with top scorer Milutin Osmajic and Tottenham Hotspur loan man Alfie Devine both ruled out through injury.