Overview

• Alfie Devine decided the match with a 20-yard finish into the top corner during a first half Derby struggled to control.
• Derby switched from a back three to 4-2-3-1 at the break, which lifted their attacking tempo and territory.
• Substitute Patrick Agyemang posed the main threat after coming on at halftime, forcing a standout stop and several blocks.
• Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen denied clear chances, including a crucial save against Agyemang, to preserve the lead.
• Head coach John Eustace called the opening 45 minutes "nowhere near good enough" and said the second-half performance merited at least a point.