Preston lose to Millwall in Graham Alexander’s first match in charge

Preston were beaten 1-0 by Millwall at Deepdale in Alexander’s first match in charge. Camiel Neghli scored late to seal the win for Millwall and spoil the start of Graham Alexander’s tenure.

Preston had chances to take the lead. On the half-hour, Andrija Vukcevic picked out Callum Lang, whose effort from outside the box went wide. Just before the break, Caleb Taylor misjudged a bouncing ball, allowing Erabi through on goal, but the Swede shot straight at Filip Marschall.

Millwall began the second half on the front foot. Iversen had to keep out Lisbie’s effort at the near post after a cross from Zak Sturge. Preston then threatened on the counter: Lang set up Alfie Devine, who missed the target. With the match appearing to drift towards a draw, Neghli found the net with a strike from 16 yards. It was his third goal of the season.

Preston are currently bottom of the Championship, and Alexander hopes to turn the team’s fortunes around. He spent 10 years at Deepdale and made 400 appearances for the Lancashire club. He returned to the touchline as a manager after leaving Bradford, who were top of League One at the time. Opposite him, Alex Neil, a former Preston manager, ended a three-match winless run with the away victory. Lang had also set up Alfie Devine on a counter-attack, but his effort went wide.