Preston North End are a step closer to promotion to the Championship after a hard-fought first-leg win at Chesterfield in their League One Playoff Semi-Final.
Jermaine Beckford's sixth-minute goal gave the Lilywhites victory at the Proact Stadium and leaves Simon Grayson's men within reach of Wembley.
However, they were forced to weather concerted pressure from Chesterfield as the Spireites dominated possession, but were unable to fashion clear-cut chances.
Find out how all of the action unfolded in this first-leg clash courtesy of Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute coverage below.
Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of this first-leg of the League One playoff semi-final between Chesterfield and Preston North End at the Proact Stadium. Both sides know that a good result tonight could put them within sight of a Wembley final and, possibly, Championship football next season. It promises to be an exciting evening, so stay with us!
Chesterfield's run to the playoffs came largely on the back on eight wins in 11 games over the final stretch, although they have only scored once in their last three games, which came in the 1-1 draw with Sheffield United.
Their opponents Preston may think they should have been in the Championship already. The Lilywhites started the final day of the season in the top two positions and any win would have seen them into English football's second tier. However, their defeat against Colchester United, who escaped the drop as a result, saw MK Dons up at their expense. They will hope to put that right, starting with their trip to the Spireites tonight.
We'll have team news on the way before we build up to the game in Derbyshire and there will be regular updates from the other playoff game this evening, which sees Sheffield United host fourth-placed Swindon Town at Bramall Lane. Live commentary for that game is available here.
CHESTERFIELD XI: Lee, Jones, Evatt, Hird, Darikwa, Morsy, Ryan, Roberts, O'Shea, Gardner, Clucas
SUBS: Talbot, Raglan, Banks, Ariyibi, Humphreys, Harrison, Gnanduillet
PRESTON NORTH END XI: Johnstone, Clarke, Wright, Huntington, Laird, Humphrey, Welsh, Gallagher, Johnson, Beckford, Garner
SUBS: Stuckmann, Woods, Wiseman, Kilkenny, Robinson, Hugill, Davies
Starting with the visitors and manager Simon Grayson has resisted to ring the changes after the disappointing loss at Colchester. As a result, Callum Robinson must make do with a place on the bench. Sylvain Ebanks-Blake and Kevin Davies are also among the substitutes as Grayson, unsurprisingly, keeps faith with the division's top scorer in Joe Garner. Jermaine Beckford, who has found the back of the net 10 times this season, partners Garner up front.
The hosts also have an unchanged starting lineup for the visit of North End, with Paul Cook opting not to include either Armand Gnanduillet or Gregory Ariyibi, both of whom made appearances from the bench against Sheffield United on Sunday. Dan Gardner and Sam Clucas start in attack for the Spireites.
Now, Preston fans may have cause for worry as they look to reach the Championship, with a poor record in the playoffs. The Lancashire outfit have failed to earn promotion in nine attempts via this route and they've tasted defeat on six occasions at the semi-final stage. No pressure boys!
That statistic doesn't appear to be Simon Grayson's mind as he surveys his surroundings before the game.
We mentioned earlier that Chesterfield have struggled for goals heading into this game. They may miss the scoring prowess of Eoin Doyle, who netted 22 league goals for the Derbyshire outfit prior to joining Cardiff City in January. Such was his achievement over the first half of the season, he is only second to Garner in the list of League One sharp-shooters.
However, despite their lack of goals and their inferior league position to Preston, manager Paul Cook doesn't feel that his team are underdogs.
He told BBC Radio Sheffield: "We'll be considered by most to be the underdogs but we don't think of it that way. You have to have belief in what you do and we deserved to finish where we did in the table.
"You can over-complicate what you are trying to do but if we win two games then we will be at Wembley."
Interestingly, Chesterfield may face a battle to keep hold of Cook, who is thought to be on the shortlist to be the next Portsmouth manager. Last month, Spireites' chief executive Chris Turner insisted that Cook wouldn't be allowed to speak to Pompey.
The hosts will hope to continue their largely impressive form at the Proact tonight, having only lost once in their last five home fixtures and that came at the expense of champions Bristol City just under a fortnight ago.
Preston's form on the road has been reasonable, if unspectacular, with the defeat at Colchester being their first away loss in six games. However, North End have only won twice in that time, which may explain how they conceded second place to the MK Dons.
PREDICTION: With kick-off time fast approaching at the Proact Stadium, it's about time I made a prediction. Despite Preston's poor record in playoff football, their undoubted goal threat from Garner and Beckford can't be discounted. I've plumped for 3-1 win for the visitors, but I think they'll be made to work throughout.
We're only minutes from getting under way, but it's fair to say that Simon Grayson's men will have plenty of backing tonight!
KICKOFF: We are underway at the Proact...
CHANCE: Preston not showing any psychological scars from Sunday's defeat as Humphrey fizzes a cross in from the left towards Garner, but the top scorer hits a air shot. Bright start from North End.
I mentioned Preston's worrying playoff stat, but well worth remembering that their loss at Colchester was the first time that they had failed to score in 30 games. Certainly not lacking in attacking threat!
Chesterfield have barely had the ball so far. Johnson lets fly with a shot from distance, which is met with ironic cheers from Spireites fans as it flies over the bar.
GOAL: Chesterfield 0-1 Preston (Jermaine Beckford, 6 min)
The travelling Preston fans erupt with delight as Beckford is given the freedom of the Proact Stadium to run into and deftly chips the ball beyond the reach of Lee. There will be questions asked of the defending, perhaps, but the Lilywhites have been far brighter.
The hosts their first reasonable spell of possession and O'Shea wins a free kick in a decent position. However, the delivery is disappointing and Preston clear.
SAVE: Garner latches onto Beckford's pass on the left side of the box, but 10 yards out and from a tight angle, his effort is straight at Lee. Still seeing all the attacking promise from the away side, though!
Looking at the replays, Hird appears to play the man rather than the ball, which allows Humphrey's pass to reach Beckford for his goal. That said, it would be difficult to begrudge Preston their lead after an enterprising opening.
First sign of danger from the hosts as Jones hits a low cross into the box from the left wing, but the Lilywhites clear their lines.
Maybe it's just me, but Chesterfield are starting to look more settled and are enjoying more possession. Can they turn that into some clear-cut chances?
Jones makes an important tackle on Humphrey as Garner's pass almost gives the full back a promising position in which to cross.
CLOSE! Garner receives the ball on the edge of the area from Laird only for Hird to make a last-gasp block to keep out the League One top scorer.
UPDATE: Sheffield United have drawn first blood against Swindon, thanks to a Kieron Freeman strike at Bramall Lane.
Chesterfield finally showing some intent in the final third as first Roberts then Morsy have efforts blocked by the Preston defence.
Jones looks to be causing problems for North End as he crosses in from the left, which Preston need to clear.
Lee makes almost pays for gifting possession to Beckford. The ex-Bolton forward find the ball on the left edge of the area, but overhits his cross, with only Garner to aim for.
CLOSE! Darikwa tries to bring down a deflected cross, but somehow plays into the path of O'Shea before he fires wide. Chesterfield certainly looking more assured as the first half progresses.
Well a foul from Gallagher looks to have upset the Chesterfield players for his challenge on O'Shea and, after a brief melee in the centre of the pitch, the referee decides a talking to is enough.
CHANCE! Evatt almost gave the home side a way back into the tie after getting his head to a free kick, but Johnstone is able to deal with it comfortably.
Beckford tries another effort at goal, but is clearly angered by the attention of Morsy as he attempted an overhead kick. Up at the other end and Ryan blazes over. End-to-end at the moment!
CLOSE! Arguably Chesterfield's best chance of the game as Clucas links up with Gardner. The forward tries to play it back to Clucas, but is inches away from reaching the forward.
SHOT! Garner tries a speculative effort from the edge of the area, which drifts wide, but has Lee sprawling across his goal. He may fancy adding to his goal tally, having scored three in three games against the Spireites.
Darikwa manages to find a ball for Roberts, who duly tees up Ryan only for his strike to dribble into the arms of Johnstone.
Strangely, we are reaching half time and no one has entered the referee's notebook yet and it is fair to say that there has been an undercurrent to proceedings so far.
Darikwa tries another ball into the box, but Johnstone comes out to claim the ball. At the other end, Gallagher fancies his chances with a shot from the edge of the area only to drag his attempt wide of Lee's goal. I'd argue Chesterfield are finishing the brighter.
SAVE! Johnstone makes his best save so far as he parries low down from Roberts after the midfielder turned well to make space for a shot.
Four added minutes at the Proact Stadium...
Preston are scrambling to keep ahead before the break! O'Shea, Gardner and Roberts all see their shots blocked and the Lilywhites then clear the subsequent corner. North End perhaps living dangerously at the moment.
Referee Mark Haywood is having a word with Huntingdon for having too much to say over his decision making. The Preston player escapes without a caution.
Chesterfield have a free kick and have tall men in advanced areas to attack the delivery. O'Shea decides to take a direct attempt and nearly clears the stand. Woeful!
HALF TIME: Chesterfield 0-1 Preston
Well, Preston started that half very much in command, put Paul Cook's side finished strongly and it was certainly a dramatic end to the half. I think that the Spireites are still very much in this game.
STATS:: In fairness, Chesterfield would arguably have deserved to reach the interval on level terms. They have enjoyed 61% of possession and have had 10 attempts at goal to Preston's seven. However, it's the scoreboard that counts and North End are ahead. Perhaps Simon Grayson can inspire his team to go on and win this first-leg?
BENCH WATCH: If Paul Cook wants to reshuffle his team in a bid to turns this game around, he may turn to Ivory Coast Under 20 international Armand Gnandulliet. However, Preston possess attacking alternatives of their own, with Kevin Davies and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake on the bench.
UPDATE: Before the action resumes at the Proact, a quick reminder of the score at Bramall Lane, with Sheffield United leading Swindon 1-0. Kieron Freeman scored for the Blades, but the visitors missed the chance to equalise from the penalty spot when Ben Gladwin's effort was saved.
We're moments away from the second half. Can Chesterfield find a response? They may feel that they at least need to be level heading to Deepdale for Sunday's second-leg.
KICKOFF: The hosts get the second half underway...
Almost another fast start from Preston as Humphrey finds plenty of space to run into, but the right back struggles for support only finds the grateful arms of Lee.
YELLOW CARDS: Gallagher hits the floor after Ryan appears to strike him in the face. Mark Haywood tries to bring order to proceedings. Gallagher gets a yellow card, as does Ryan.
Replays appear to suggest that Ryan is a lucky man to still be on the pitch after throwing an elbow. The referee has been largely lenient so far, but he may struggle to keep his cards in his pockets as this game continues.
Another naughty challenge as Evatt challenges Garner. Preston have a free kick on the edge of the box, which comes to nothing.
Chesterfield have not been able to start the second half as they finish the first. So far, most of the chances are falling to North End.
SHOT! Beckford finds space to shoot from the left flank, but is effort is wide of Lee's goal.
CLOSE! Roberts comes close to an equaliser for the Spireites. His effort is only inches away from creeping inside the right-hand post. Chesterfield created pressure with three corners prior to that, but Preston, somehow, held firm.
I said Chesterfield looked to be struggling to find their rhythm, but they have had 73% possession in the opening 15 minutes of this period. They have just been unable to convert that into enough clear-cut opportunities.
Gardner goes over in the box, but Mark Haywood waves away shouts for a penalty. Gardner didn't seem too convinced himself, in fairness.
Chesterfield break up play through Morsy and he plays the ball to O'Shea, who drags his shot wide of goal.
CLOSE! Jones is a relieved man as he underhits a backpass, but Lee is able to clear, a fraction of a second before Beckford can get to the ball. A timely reminder to Chesterfield that can't switch off in defence!
UPDATE: Swindon are on level terms at Bramall Lane, with Sam Ricketts scoring minutes after the restart for the Robins. Game on there!
Paul Cook's men are knocking on the door again as a cross from Gardner just evades Clucas in the area and drifts out of play.
INJURY! Lee looks to be in trouble after getting down to save a timid shot from Beckford. His ankle turned awkwardly. Chesterfield have no substitute keeper on the bench!
Spireites goalkeeping coach Eric Nixon looks worried as Lee regains his feet. He is moving around gingerly though.
The hosts are still enjoying the greater possession, but they look to have lost momentum as Preston defend in numbers. A cross from Roberts is cleared away as Chesterfield can only get two into the box and are outnumbered.
CHANCE! Preston almost concede as Johnstone tips away from Roberts's effort after Clucas nodded into his path. Surely the closest they've been to a goal tonight?
SUBSTITUTION: The Spireites make their first change of the evening, with Gardner making way for Oliver Banks.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Neil Kilkenny replaces Gallagher, who is met by a chorus of boos from the home support. Laird is also removed as Calum Woods comes on for North End.
Banks almost makes an immediate impact for PNE as his ball into the box is a dangerous one, which needs clearing by the Chesterfield defence.
Preston have had just 1% percent of the ball in the final third, but their rearguard has held so far in this second period.
CHANCE! How many more chances will Chesterfield have to score this evening. Clucas is able to control a long ball before crossing into the box for Banks, but the substitute is unable to control his effort, which drifts harmlessly wide. An escape for the Lilywhites.
Preston's first chance for a while as Johnson attacks down the right and finds Garner. His shot is deflected onto the hand of Jones, but a penalty would have been a harsh decision. Amazing how quiet Garner has been this evening!
Roberts sprints into the area, his cross evades Clucas, who wants a spot kick. His appeals are waved away.
SUBSTITUTION: Preston's final change sees Beckford make way for Callum Robinson. Beckford's goal still separates the teams.
SUBSTITUTION: Paul Cook makes his second change, with O'Shea being replaced by Armand Gnanduillet.
Lee clears for a throw in, but is still limping. He has done well to last this long after his injury.
Five minutes of added time left for Chesterfield to find an equaliser.
Wright clears behind for a corner as Chesterfield mount a late charge. North End clear the danger from the set piece. The Lilywhites are still on the back foot.
Chesterfield continue to press as Jones receives the ball on the edge of the area. However, his volley is well over the crossbar.
Time is running out as the Spireites try to find a breakthrough. It's fair to say that Chesterfield have done all the pressing since half time, but North End have defended in numbers.
FULL TIME: Chesterfield 0-1 Preston
Paul Cook and Simon Grayson share a joke on the touchline after the game, but the Chesterfield boss may rue the lack of clear-cut chances, despite dominating possession.
Well, Preston now take a 1-0 lead back to Deepdale for the second leg as they look to reach the Championship. However, Chesterfield will hope that they can turn things around in the North-West. Their industry certainly suggests that they have a chance. Join us on Sunday to see who reaches the final at Wembley. Until then, good night!
