PORTSMOUTH 0 PRESTON 1

PRESTON manager David Moyes was critical of match-winner David Healy -- for not scoring a hat-trick!

The former Manchester United striker scored his third goal for his new club since his £1.5m move at the end of December -- and celebrated his first win in a Preston shirt.

He latched onto Rob Edwards' cross and finished superbly in the 26th minute -- and North End held on as Pompey were reduced to ten men with the dismissal of Lee Bradbury on 77 minutes.

"David had a fantastic game, his all-round performance and his movement.

"The only blip is that he should have scored three," said Moyes.

"He is a very talented player and I think we have two of the best strikers in the division with him and Jon Macken."

The victory ended a run of five successive defeats for North End and reignited their promotion push.

And, along with Healy's goal, Moyes was relieved his defence kept only their second clean sheet in 16 games.

"We defended a little more like we wanted. They had a couple of chances but really we should have had the game won. But a clean sheet is important."

Healy missed a couple of chances to increase Preston's tally as Moyes used an adventurous three up front with Macken and American international Brian McBride.

And McBride also had two great chances to open his Preston account with only Pompey keeper Aaron Flahavan denying him.

With his attacking options, the Preston chief will now look to bolster his squad in other positions.

"I think at the moment our club is short in one or two areas and we know we need to strengthen but we are not short up front. We have have three excellent centre forwards, and they are all in form."

Portsmouth had their chances to grab a goal back as Preston failed to increase their advantage but Bradbury's dismissal put an end to their hopes.

The former Manchester City striker looked to have stood on Colin Murdock.

"I think the boy back heeled Colin in the face. The referee was there. I don't like to see players sent off but sometimes they have to be responsible and that player was stupid in that incident," added Moyes.

PRESTON manager David Moyes was critical of match-winner David Healy -- for not scoring a hat-trick!

The former Manchester United striker scored his third goal for his new club since his £1.5m move at the end of December -- and celebrated his first win in a Preston shirt.

He latched onto Rob Edwards' cross and finished superbly in the 26th minute -- and North End held on as Pompey were reduced to ten men with the dismissal of Lee Bradbury on 77 minutes.

"David had a fantastic game, his all-round performance and his movement.

"The only blip is that he should have scored three," said Moyes.

"He is a very talented player and I think we have two of the best strikers in the division with him and Jon Macken."

The victory ended a run of five successive defeats for North End -- and reignited their push for a play-off spot.

And, along with Healy's goal, Moyes was relieved his defence kept only their second clean sheet in XX games.

"We defended a little more like we wanted. They had a couple of chances but really we should have had the game won. But a clean sheet is important."

Healy missed a couple of chances to increase Preston's tally as Moyes used an adventurous three up front with Macken and American international Brian McBride.

And McBride also had two great chances to open his Preston account with only Pompey keeper denying him.

With his attacking options, the Preston chief will now look to bolster his squad in other positions.

"I think at the moment our club is short in one or two areas and we know we need to strengthen but we are not short up front. We have have three excellent centre forwards, and they are all in form."

Portsmouth had their chances to grab a goal back as Preston failed to increase their advantage but Bradbury's dismissal put an end to their hopes.

The former Manchester City striker looked to have stood on Colin Murdock. "I think the boy back heeled Colin in the face. The referee was there. I don't like to see players sent off but sometimes they have to be responsible and that player was stupid in that incident," added Moyes.