Preston North End found a way but should learn a lesson from Stoke City as home games beckon

Granted, it is their only win but still, it was very important.

Ched Evans scored the only goal of the game as he glanced a header at the near post from a corner all the way in off the inside of the far post - which resulted in the Welshman taking off his shirt and joining in with the jubilant scenes going on behind the net he had just bagged in.

It was another day in Stoke that will live long in the memory, just as Andrew Hughes' header from a corner last year to win the game sparked scenes behind the same goal.

On the surface it is just another three points across what is already an insane Championship season that will soon just disappear into the rest of the points amassed. But taken in their current context, they're huge points for Ryan Lowe.

A point on the road would have been decent, it would have stopped the run of defeats - three on the bounce - and although the performance on the whole was not one that is going to be selling DVD's to rewatch the game, it would have been enough to secure a result.

But North End went one better, they got all three points in a tight game with very little chances. It's what good sides do on days such as Monday, that can go either way when level, and it's not the type of team PNE have been over the last few games.

Rather, they would likely have sooner squandered their chances to get anything from the game.

Neither side were particularly at it but PNE as the away side were always at an advantage. Not only are they one of the best teams in the division when on their travels, but the Bet365 Stadium was not a nice play to be if you’re a home player. The stadium seemed ready to turn at any point and substitutions were both ironically cheered and jeered, with boos ringing out on multiple occasions.

It is a lesson that can be learns too for PNE, with four of their next five games at home and their form at Deepdale way below par so far this season.

Evans will rightfully take the plaudits from Monday for what is an exceptional finish off his head but his overall performance helped North End to the three points beyond just that defining moment.

He's becoming a man Preston can look to and rely on in setting the tone and now getting the goals.

He's once again the only fit senior striker in the squad, with Emil Riis subbed off in the first half due to injury, and both Evans and Lowe now need support in January.

PNE have it in them to have a really good go this season but once again it comes down to their activity in the transfer window.

What they do over the next few weeks will absolutely shape their season, and now with fewer forwards available, and goals still generally being at a premium, they must act fast.