Ched Evans' stoppage-time winner gave Preston victory against Stoke in a tame Championship match at the Bet365 Stadium.
With the game looking destined for a goalless draw, Evans headed Alan Browne's corner in off the post to earn the Lilywhites a seventh away win of the season.
Stoke's Jacob Brown touched Tyrese Campbell's effort into the net but was flagged offside near the end of an uneventful first half.
The Lilywhites had gone close with their first effort on target late on, but Potters goalkeeper Jack Bonham tipped over Ben Woodburn's dipping volley at full-stretch.
After ending a run of three straight defeats, Preston move within two points of a play-off place in 10th, while Stoke drop to 18th, four points above the bottom three after a fifth defeat in seven home games.