Town fall to first defeat of the season going down 1-0 to Preston

Ipswich Town fell to their first defeat of the season at Preston through an 11th minute penalty.

It was converted by Montenegrin international Milutin Osmajić after Tractor Boys defender Jacob Greaves was adjudged to have fouled the North End striker in the 18-yard area.

Town had the majority of possession throughout the 90 minutes with 70 per cent of possession and 15 shots at goal but failed to get the ball past North End’s goalkeeper Daniel Iversen.

Big chances fell to Jack Clarke and new signing from Leicester City this week Kasey McAteer.

The defeat left the Town down in 18th spot on two points after three games in the Championship and still looking for their first three-pointer of the season while Preston moved into sixth place on seven points.

Thierry Small was particularly busy for Preston on the left but it was flat play from Ipswich which defined the first half.

George Hirst squandered their first real opportunity six minutes before half-time, unable to direct Clarke’s early cross goalwards after being found in the area.

The visitors stepped up the pressure after the break and, without carving out a clear cut chance, sensed a leveller.

Small’s brilliantly timed challenge denied Clarke in the area as he looked to shoot just shy of the hour.

New signing McAteer was summoned for Ipswich and failed to hit the target with an opportunity on 70 minutes. Almost immediately, Small then failed to capitalise at the other end.

But Ipswich’s moment never came and Preston held on for a huge win, going back-to-back for the first time since January and securing a first league clean sheet since March.

Town will hope to get off to a winning start next week when they entertain Derby County who drew 1-1 last night with Bristol City.