PNE 1, PORTSMOUTH 0

"A WIN today?" "No I reckon a draw," was how the conversation went as a couple of Preston fans made their way into Deepdale.

But, after their third win in five First Division games, these North End fans might just start believing their side can battle for three points from every game -- and that their current fourth place is not a false position.

It is only early days, as manager David Moyes is keen to point out, but so far Grimsby, Sheffield United and now Portsmouth have all found out that Preston aren't just their to make up the numbers.

"We have a chance of getting something out of every game we have played so far and I hope it continues for the rest of the season," said 37-year-old Moyes.

Perhaps a draw might have been most people's prediction prior to the game as Portsmouth, with eight successive years in the First Division, fielded the £1.2m striker Lee Mills alongside well known names like Steve Claridge and substitute Lee Bradbury.

But for all the money and experience, it was £200,000 Steve Basham who settled the tie, scoring his first goal for a year and a day. He latched onto Mark Rankine's knock down and curled the ball into the top corner of the net from around 12 yards. It was a relief to injury-prone Basham, the management and the fans and Moyes is tipping the former Southampton player and his strike partner Jon Macken, with three goals so far this season, the chance of further success if they want it. "People should remember they are both young boys -- just 21-years-old. They are still learning the game but they could make a name for themselves if they keep improving at the rate they are at the moment," said Moyes.

"We are all delighted for Steve even though it was probably his worst game!"

Basham's goal less than a minute after the restart was a moment of superb skill in a game which was a real battle, Sean Gregan dominating in the back line for Preston and his opposing number Darren Moore doing the same for Pompey.

But visiting manger Tony Pulis was furious his side weren't already one goal up before Preston made their breakthrough when Gregan upended Mills in the area but referee Bill Burns waved away any spot kick appeals.

"I thought it was a penalty," said the former Gillingham boss. "And decisions like that change games."

Moyes was more reserved: "At the time I thought 'Oh I don't like the look of that'. But the referee was closer than me and he felt it wasn't a penalty. Some of the decisions go against you, some for you but they tend to even themselves out over a season."

It was backs to the wall for the last five minutes for Preston -- plus an agonising four minutes of injury time -- and Moyes went through every emotion on the sidelines.

Tepi Moilanen tipped his 20-yard strike over the crossbar in the dying minutes as Preston clung on for three points.