Tough lesson as Rams still have gaps in squad to fill

PRESTON ENSURE WAIT GOES ON FOR FIRST HOME WIN OF SEASON

- By LEIGH CURTIS

DERBY County are still searching for their first home win of the season after Preston North End claimed a 1-0 victory at Pride Park Stadium.

Alfie Devine was the visitors’ hero as he took advantage of some helpful defending to fire into the top corner from 20 yards during a poor first half for John Eustace’s side.

Former Rams winger Lewis Dobbin caused problems early on with his direct running and it was an indicator of what was to come for the rest of the first half.

Derby struggled to maintain any attacking momentum and the visitors were sharper to every second ball.

Ben Whiteman had a go from distance for the visitors which was easy work for home keeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.

But Zetterstrom was left helpless when Devine took aim from 20 yards and found the top corner.

Preston could have made it 2-0 when a cross from Pol Valentin found the run of Milutin Osmajic, who forced a good save from Zetterstrom.

Just before halftime, Derby created their best chance when Carlton Morris turned the ball around the corner for Ben Brereton Diaz, who charged forward but shot straight at Daniel Iversen.

Eustace had seen enough at halftime to make a change, with Callum Elder coming off for Patrick Agyemang as the Rams moved to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

However, it was Devine who had the first shot after the break when he struck an effort that was dealt with by Zetterstrom. Gradually though, the Rams began to make their presence felt in attack.

Craig Forsyth stabbed wide of the target before Agyemang did brilliantly to turn his marker but, left with Iversen to beat, the Preston keeper made an outstanding save.