Huddersfield 1-0 Preston: Sepp Van den Berg own goal proves decisive

Huddersfield struggled to create chances before Van den Berg's own goal

An own goal from Preston North End's Sepp van den Berg gave Huddersfield Town their first Championship win of the season.

The defender, on a season's loan from Liverpool, diverted the ball into his own net in the 74th minute in trying to cut out a pass intended for Terriers substitute Duane Holmes.

Sorba Thomas then went close to a second when he hit the inside of the post.

The loss means Preston stay bottom of the table after three straight defeats.

Manager Frankie McAvoy made four changes to the team that lost 2-1 at Reading on Saturday as Preston searched for their first points - and they were better in the first half.

But nobody managed more than seven goals for them last season and that lack of a cutting edge was again apparent.

Daniel Johnson curled wide and Ched Evans volleyed over before the striker saw his effort cleared off the line by Town defender Naby Sarr.

Carlos Corberan's side had not won any of their previous eight home games - stretching back to February - and had been hammered 5-1 by Fulham on Saturday.

They did not manage a single shot on target until the gift from Netherlands Under-19 international Van den Berg.

Thomas then hit the post as the hosts tried to settle the outcome.

But goalkeeper Lee Nicholls gave them a scare in injury time when he came flying to the edge of his box and flapped at a cross, but he and Huddersfield hung on.

Huddersfield head coach Carlos Corberan said:

"That was clearly a necessary win. I must praise the spirit of the team. We lost [Matty] Pearson and then [Danny] Ward, who felt unwell, so all three subs were necessary.

"We didn't make many mistakes and we defended strongly to get the three points.

"Defeats like the one against Fulham can create insecurity in players, so it was important to play tonight without mistakes. We suffered together to keep the key clean sheet."

Preston manager Frankie McAvoy said:

"Their coach said defensively we were so difficult to play against and I'm gobsmacked we have lost that game to be honest.

"I knew the game was there for us to try and win and we were trying to get Emil [Riis Jakobsen] on and they went and got the goal, which is frustrating.

"The disappointing thing is we didn't work the goalkeeper enough when we were on top. I'm just so disappointed we have sent the fans home with nothing. They didn't deserve that. Football can be cruel at times."