An early goal from Jermaine Beckford was enough for Preston North End as they won the first leg of the Sky Bet League One play-off semi final 1-0.

After a bright start from Preston, it was them who broke the deadlock after Beckford was played in with a pin-point pass from Chris Humphrey and the former Leeds United striker calmly chipped it over the on-rushing Tommy Lee.

Chesterfield were quite sloppy with the ball in the early stages and Joe Garner nearly doubled Preston's lead but hit his shot straight at Lee.

The hosts finally started to get themselves in to the game with a couple of half-chances but couldn't get themselves back on level terms. Dan Gardner almost made it 1-1 just before the break but his powerful left footed shot was well saved by visiting goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone.

The visitors survived more pressure just after, when a scramble in the penalty box was cleared for a corner. The Lilywhites managed to hold on to their lead going into the break.

Spireites midfielder Jimmy Ryan was lucky to only see yellow, after it appeared he elbowed Preston's Paul Gallagher. Tempers had boiled over a few times in the game and referee Mark Haywood took a leniant approach to cool things down.

Gary Roberts went agonizonaly close just before the hour mark for the hosts but his shot fizzed past the post. Beckford had a great chance to double his and Preston's tally for the night but his scuffed his shot straight at Lee.

Preston survived another scare not long after when Roberts' shot found its way through a crowd of players and was parried away by Johnstone.

The visitors really sat deep in the second-half and survived huge amounts of pressure from the hosts but they just couldn't get through a determined Preston defence. Ollie Banks went close for Chesterfield when he was on the end of a teasing cross but he couldn't keep his effort down.

Paul Cook's side couldn't make their chances count and now travel to Deepdale with a tough task in hand. They will have to show similar attacking intent like tonight if they to overcome this deficit. The Spireites had 20 shots at goal tonight but only four were on target, something Cook will be frustrated about and he will be hoping his side can rectify that in the return leg of this fixture.

Swindon Town beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Bramall Lane in the other semi-final. The teams meet again for the second leg on Sunday at Deepdale with a 12.15pm kick off.