Preston North End delivered a statement win before the international break, dispatching Charlton Athletic 2-0 in a match defined by second-half composure and decisive finishing at Deepdale.

Paul Heckingbottom's side dictated much of the play, commanding 56% possession and registering 16 total shots to Charlton's 9, though the match’s first hour was a cagey, wind-affected affair that saw both teams struggle for clarity in the final third. Charlton, set up with a five-man defense under Nathan Jones, initially held shape and frustrated Preston's attempts to find flow, despite giving away more fouls and accumulating two yellow cards.

The breakthrough came in the 67th minute, and it carried a twist of narrative fate. Thierry Small—booed by sections of the away crowd due to his ties with Charlton—struck decisively from a swift move down the left, slotting home after an incisive assist from Lewis Dobbin. Small’s goal not only broke the deadlock, but also seemed to drain what little attacking ambition Charlton had shown.

Charlton’s inability to threaten Preston’s goal was underscored by a complete lack of shots on target despite nine overall efforts, a frustration reflected in fan forums post-match. The visitors’ attacking trio, notably Tyreece Campbell and Charlie Kelman, offered movement but were consistently turned away by a disciplined Preston backline marshaled by Daniel Iversen.

Preston’s victory was sealed in the 80th minute through Daniel Jebbison, who met Alfie Devine’s reverse pass with a calm finish, securing his first goal for the club and eliminating any doubt in the final stages. Jebbison’s energetic pressing and willingness to drive at defenders stood in sharp contrast to Charlton’s forwards, who remain under scrutiny for their goal return.

In the closing minutes, Charlton’s frustration spilled over, as they collected a stoppage-time yellow card and struggled for attacking cohesion despite late substitutions. The result leaves Preston with 16 points and renewed optimism, while Charlton—stuck at 12 points—face hard questions about their attacking setup and defensive lapses.

This win, as showcased in Sky Sports’ official highlights, will be remembered for Small’s poetic return and the sense of order Preston imposed once they stepped up the tempo after halftime. For Charlton, it is back to the drawing board—particularly up front, as their search for reliable goals continues.