Preston North End 2-1 Leicester City: Championship Match Report

Saturday, 16 August 2025 | Deepdale (Attendance: 16,797)

Preston secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Leicester City at Deepdale, claiming back-to-back wins under Paul Heckingbottom as Milutin Osmajic struck late to seal the points. Alfie Devine’s seventh-minute opener was cancelled by an equaliser from 16-year-old Jeremy Monga, but Osmajic’s poacher’s finish in the 85th minute proved decisive.

First Half

Preston broke the deadlock on seven minutes when Alfie Devine rounded the goalkeeper after a misjudged clearance to tuck home from close range. Despite Leicester dominating possession with 60% and piling on pressure, the hosts defended resolutely to take a 1-0 lead into the break.

Second Half

Leicester drew level just past the hour mark when substitute Jeremy Monga met a clipped cross to slot home, becoming the youngest scorer in Championship history at 16 years and 37 days old.

The match seemed to be heading towards a share of the spoils until the 85th minute, when Milutin Osmajic reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, steering a close-range header past the keeper to restore Preston’s lead and ultimately secure the win despite Leicester’s territorial advantage.

Key Moments

• 7′ | Alfie Devine (Preston) opens scoring with a composed finish after rounding the keeper
• 67′ | Jeremy Monga (Leicester) equalises with a composed strike, making history as the youngest Championship scorer at 16 years and 37 days2
• 74′ | Jordan Storey (Preston) booked for a late challenge in midfield
• 84′ | Milutin Osmajic (Preston) booked for a late foul before scoring the winner seconds later
• 85′ | Milutin Osmajic (Preston) nets the decisive 2-1 winner with a poacher’s header

Standout Performers

• Alfie Devine: His early goal showcased sharp instincts and confidence beyond his years, setting the tone for Preston’s high-octane start.
• Jeremy Monga: Injected unexpected flair off the bench; his historic equaliser underlined remarkable composure at just 16 years old2.
• Milutin Osmajic: Proved a decisive match-winner, pouncing on a loose ball to deliver a late header that earned the hosts all three points.

Match Statistics

Despite trailing in possession, Preston’s tactical discipline, clinical finishing and the energy of their home crowd under Heckingbottom’s management signalled their intent to challenge at the top end of the Championship this season.

Next on the agenda for Preston is a trip to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers, where they will look to maintain momentum, while Leicester return to Filbert Way seeking to bounce back quickly and halt their early-season dip.

Beyond the final scoreline, the breakout displays by Devine and Monga hint at a new generation ready to make its mark, setting up an intriguing narrative as this Championship campaign unfolds.