Preston came from behind with goals from Neil Mellor and Barry Nicholson to defeat Charlton at Deepdale.

The home side created most of the chances but were behind after Andy Gray scored from the penalty spot following a foul by Youl Mawene on Luke Varney.

North End came close to scoring when Sean St Ledger's 12-yard strike cannoned back off the post.

Preston's dominance was rewarded when Mellor levelled from six yards and Nicholson got the winner from close in.

Preston boss Alan Irvine:
"That was one of the best games. I thought we were excellent. I thought it was really harsh for us to be a goal behind.

"We have now come back three times from being behind - twice to win and once to draw.

"The lads deserve enormous credit. We didn't panic. We kept on passing the ball. We had that missing ingredient today."

Charlton boss Alan Pardew:
"There were a few players who, I am afraid, have to look at themselves tonight. We had a few who were below par.

"We were second best in a lot of areas, especially in midfield.

"We just could not stop the stream of attacks. This game could have been 6-5.

"Even at the end when Preston were leading 2-1, we had some great chances. You can't afford to have a game like that in this division."

Preston: Lonergan, Jones, Mawene, St. Ledger, Hart, Nicholson, Chaplow, McKenna (Carter 78), Sedgwick (Whaley 90), Parkin, Mellor (Hawley 90).
Subs Not Used: Chris Neal, Wallace.

Booked: Mawene, Hart.

Goals: Mellor 58, Nicholson 66.

Booked: Bailey, Ambrose.

Goals: Gray 19 pen.

Att: 12,089

Ref: Clive Oliver (Northumberland).