Little makes big difference
Preston eased into the second round of the Capital One Cup with a comfortable 2-0 win at Rochdale.
Rochdale saw plenty of the ball in the first half but struggled to create any meaningful chances against a well-drilled Preston backline.
When the home side did manage to get in behind the visitors, Ian Henderson saw his shot blocked by Bailey Wright.
Preston showed little ambition during the first half, but landed a sucker-punch in the 43rd minute .
Andy Little raced down the right flank and while Dale goalkeeper Josh Lillis blocked his initial effort, Little bundled home the loose ball from close-range.
Simon Grayson's side doubled their lead three minutes into the second half. Lillis saved Little's shot, but when Dale failed to clear the resulting corner Neil Kilkenny rifled home.
Michael Rose cleared Calum Woods corner off the goal-line as Preston kept up the pressure and the home side were forced to play out the last 10 minutes with 10 men as skipper Oliver Lancashire limped off after Keith Hill had used all his substitutes.
Source: PA
