Goals from Dickson Etuhu and Eddie Lewis gave Preston a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United.
North End almost got off to the perfect start, but Pawel Abbott's right-foot shot in the second minute was brilliantly saved by Paddy Kenny.
Marcel Cas fired an effort wide after seven minutes, before Wayne Allison had a header saved by Jonathan Gould.
Despite those early opportunities, it was a scrappy opening half-hour with the only other chance falling to Steve Kabba after 27 minutes, but he scuffed his shot which was easily gathered by former Celtic stopper Gould.
Gould was called into action again early in the second period as he parried Michael Brown's right-foot free-kick from 25 yards, before full-back Rob Kozluk had a shot blocked.
United continued to create all the chances, with Phil Jagielka heading over the crossbar before Preston took the lead on the hour.
Graham Alexander's corner from the right was met by Etuhu, who headed home from six yards for his sixth goal of the season.
Lewis and Etuhu both went close for the home side, before Michael Tonge forced Gould into a fantastic save and Brown curled a free-kick over the crossbar.
However, Lewis made the game safe when he converted Etuhu's cross from the right.