A Richard Cresswell effort midway through the first half gave draw specialists Preston all three points against Reading at Deepdale.

Cresswell headed in a left-wing cross from American World Cup star Eddie Lewis from just 10 yards out for the winner.

Reading were unlucky not to have come away with something from the game.

Andy Hughes had gone close to giving Reading the lead in the opening minute, but his shot fell harmlessly wide of David Lucas' goal.

Nicky Forster also hit the woodwork with a cracking drive from the edge of the area.

The close scare served to wake up Preston, and David Healy headed just over from close in before Craig Brown's took the lead through Cresswell's header.

Back came Reading, though, and Lucas had to make a super stop to tip round a Hughes header from six yards out.

Forster also came close for the Royals, before Cresswell again had to clear a dangerous corner from John Salako.

Preston had two great chances to extend the advantage before the interval.

Lewis produced a magnificent save from Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann from 25 yards and Paul McKenna curling a shot from similar range just wide.

Reading threw on substitute Jamie Cureton late on in a valiant effort to try and rescue a point, but the best he could manage was a right-footed drive that cleared the crossbar 10 minutes from time.

Preston: Lucas, Alexander, Lucketti, Murdock, Edwards, McKenna, Skora, Rankine, Lewis, Cresswell, Healy. Subs: Moilanen, Abbott, Etuhu, Broomes, Mears.

Reading: Hahnemann, Murty, Shorey, Upson, Williams, Hughes, Salako, Watson, Newman, Forster, Rougier. Subs: Mackie, Butler, Cureton, Harper, Ashdown.

Referee: C Foy (Merseyside)