RICHARD Cresswell used his head for the second time in four days to send Preston into the lead.

But it wasn't enough to stop a Portsmouth team full of Premiership names from fighting back to take the three points.

North End's travelling support will feel the least their side deserved was a point, and that it was only denied by referee Mr Armstrong falling for some pretty strong acting by Vincent Pericard.

His collapse under a challenge from Rob Edwards would have graced any Fame Academy audition, securing a penalty for Pompey.

Paul Merson converted the spot kick, giving Portsmouth their second goal in five minutes.

The first, just after the 20 minute mark, had been unleashed by on-loan signing Steve Stone when he got on the end of a Matthew Taylor cross, and had been the perfect reply to Cresswell's opener on 12 minutes.

Cresswell forcefully headed home a shot which had been parried out to him by Shaka Hislop as he attempted to block Graham Alexander's shot.

On 33 minutes, Portsmouth added a third when Taylor charged down the left before clipping the ball over advancing keeper David Lucas' head and into the net.

Early in the second half and Preston were awarded a penalty after Mark Rankine was fouled in the area.

Alexander converted cooly, and should have been taking a second one minutes later, when Paul McKenna was brought down but the referee waved play on.

PORTSMOUTH 3 PRESTON NORTH END 2