Derby County 0-1 Preston North End: Alan Browne scores impressive late winner from Lilywhites

Alan Browne scored a surprising goal in the 96th minute when Preston North End finally broke Derby County’s 10-man determination at Pride Park.

But Browne cut in on the right and snuggled home with a delightful effort past the Scotland keeper and into the far corner to reward a dominant North End.

Derby, who remains in the championship relegation spots, barely threatened after Waghorn’s early exit and managed only one effort on goal, but still seemed willing to stretch his unbeaten streak to seven games until Browne intervened.

Derby’s afternoon, and Waghorn’s, got off to an encouraging start as the forward approached with a header opportunity and also forced goalkeeper Declan Rudd to deliver an excellent wide save from a curly shot.

But when his Boxing Day activity came to an abrupt end, so did the Derby goal threat.

The excellent Marshall made two decent saves from Josh Earl and then frustrated Tom Barkhuizen with a superb save near the post.

Marshall’s heroics seemed to have continued the hot streak that saw Derby beat Swansea last time out, but Browne’s punch stole the points and secured a sixth championship win on the road to take Preston to 13th in the table. .

Derby County Acting Manager Wayne Rooney told BBC Radio Derby:

“I think it’s our best performance of the season. Going down to 10 men and betting for so long, but always playing at halftime and trying to win the game.

“I am very satisfied with the players, the attitude and the work they have done.”

On the expulsion of Martyn Waghorn: “As soon as I saw the entrance I knew it was a red card. It’s disappointing, but these things happen in football. We had to adapt and adjust our system and I thought the guys did it brilliantly.

“I am confident in this group of players and how they are performing. I am confident that we can score three points in our next two games.”

Preston manager Alex Neil told BBC Radio Lancashire:

“The inning comes very early in the game. It’s a red card, I think. I’ve seen him in the back, he doesn’t try to hurt our player but he was reckless.

“From then until halftime I thought we would try and it seemed likely that we would score. They changed their form a bit and caused us some problems.

“To be honest, in the second half I didn’t see the goal coming. We didn’t play well enough. But it was good that Alan (Browne) showed up with a bit of quality to win the game.

“It’s a strange feeling because the boys are ecstatic because we won the game, but acting comes first. And we don’t play well.”