Preston celebrated the opening of their new Invincibles Pavilion with a win over Crystal Palace at Deepdale.

Palace defender Danny Butterfield cleared off the line from Sean St Ledger but Preston keeper Andy Lonergan had to save twice from Lee Hills.

Barry Nicholson scored with a low strike after Neil Mellor's shot was blocked and Richard Chaplow struck from eight yards in the closing stages.

Palace had a strong penalty appeal rejected for a push on Jamie Scowcroft.

Preston boss Alan Irvine:
"I thought it was a penalty. I haven't seen it again but my first impression was that it was a penalty.

"I had a look at the referee straight away. It was definitely a penalty.

"It would have been harsh on us because I thought we were by far the better team for most of the game."

"I expect officials to see something as blatant as that.

"You've got to be strong and know what you're doing as officials. I feel bitterly let down.

"If we had got the penalty we would have been in the ascendancy. I never felt threatened by Preston but again the major decisions have hurt us."

Preston: Lonergan, Jones, Mawene, St. Ledger, Davidson (Hart 73), Whaley, McKenna, Sedgwick, Chaplow, Mellor, Nicholson.
Subs Not Used: Chris Neal, Hawley, Carter, Wallace.

Goals: Nicholson 58, Chaplow 90.

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, McCarthy, Lawrence, Hill, Oster (Ifill 83), Soares, Derry, Carle (Andrew 74), Hills (Moses 66), Scowcroft.
Subs Not Used: Fonte, Ertl.

Booked: Hill, Hills.

Att: 14,225

Ref: Keith Woolmer (Northamptonshire).