Wolverhampton Wanderers edge out Preston North End

Wolverhampton Wanderers remain in the hunt for an automatic promotion spot in League One after securing a 2-0 victory over Preston North End at Molineux this afternoon.

The hosts started the brighter of both teams and took a 28th-minute lead through David Edwards, who slid his effort beyond Preston goalkeeper Declan Rudd.

Kenny Jackett's men were fortunate not to have surrendered their advantage almost immediately, as Joe Garner produced a delicate chip over the beaten Aaron McCarey, only to watch his shot bounce off the crossbar and into the hands of the grateful Wolves shot-stopper.

Minutes later and Wolves should have doubled their advantage shortly before the break, but Michael Jacobs blazed over from close range after Rudd had denied Kevin McDonald's speculative effort.

It did not prove a costly miss as Lee Evans provided his team with a cushion early in the second half, with Rudd producing a good save to deny James Henry before the Welshman turned home the rebound.

Jackett's troops spurned the opportunity to put the result beyond doubt soon after, as Leigh Griffiths fired well wide of the mark after being played through on goal by Henry, but the miss proved academic as the West Midlands outfit held out for the win.

Consequently, Wanderers remain third in the League One table behind Brentford and Leyton Orient respectively, both of whom enjoyed victories this afternoon.