Paul Lambert's first game in charge of Blackburn Rovers is going to plan as they lead Preston North End 1-0 at half time after an own goal by Jordan Pickford.
The hosts almost went ahead after 10 minutes, but Jason Steele stretched to his left to push away Paul Gallagher's long-range strike.
Blackburn's first opportunities arose from set pieces, but Shane Duffy missed the target with two headers in quick succession.
Shortly after the half-hour mark, Blackburn went ahead in fortuitous circumstances. After Corry Evans's initial effort had hit the post, Hope Akpan's follow-up shot was cleared off the line, but it rebounded into the net off the body of Preston goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Preston almost levelled on the stroke of half time, but Daniel Johnson's free kick dropped the wrong side of the upright.
