An early goal from Eoin Doyle has proved enough to clinch maximum points for Preston North End against Nottingham Forest in the Championship.

The hosts took just three minutes to break the deadlock, with the striker racing clean through on goal before sliding an effort beyond Dorus de Vries at the second attempt.

Preston kept Forest at bay for much of the first period, but the visitors came to life just before half time as Jamie Ward crashed a strike against the crossbar.

Both sides cancelled each other out for most of the second half, although Preston came close to extending their lead in the 73rd minute when Joe Garner unleashed a strike from the edge of the box, which De Vries gathered at the second attempt.

Preston frustrated Forest throughout the closing stages and held on to go five games unbeaten and keep a fifth consecutive clean sheet.

The result lifts them to 16th place in the Championship.