Preston's second string were undone by a late smash and grab performance from visiting Wrexham at Deepdale.

The Welshmen scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot through substitute Alex Darlington, after Neal Trotman had fouled Mike Carvill in the box.

The Preston side had a significantly more youthful look than the one that overcame Blackpool 2-1 last week.

Chris Neal, Lewis Neal, Neal Trotman and skipper Michael Hart were the only first team members in a much changed starting line up.

All four came through 90 minutes unscathed and will be knocking at the door of the first team squad for Saturday's trip to QPR.

Wrexham named a strong side including Welsh International defender Steve Evans, who had two early chances for the visitors.

Wrexham's first chance came as early as the fourth minute. A routine clearance by keeper Anthony Williams was flicked on by Rob Duffy releasing Mike Carvill on the right side of the area.

His shot was well saved by Neal and cleared for a corner.

Silvio Spann's corner was met by Evans but his header was too high.

Minutes later and the same combination undid Preston again. This time, Chris Neal had to be at his best to tip the ball onto the crossbar and the ball was eventually cleared.

Preston were limited to a speculative Lewis Neal shot from 30 yards and a header by Tom Smythe from Neal's cross that went over.

At half time Evans was replaced by Lee Jones for the visitors.

Preston defender Lewis Smith was forced from the field with an injury on the hour and was replaced by new Manchester City youth recruit, Ryan McGreevy.

Chris Neal was kept busy in the Preston goal and put in another commanding display, whilst at the other end the likes of Conchie and Smythe worked hard but were restricted to long range efforts.

Ray Shearwood twice cleared the ball off the line in a resilient display from the Preston left back. He threw himself at a Jones shot to deflect the ball over on 61 minutes, after it looked to be a certain goal.

Just as the game looked to be heading for a draw, Smythe slipped on the ball and Lee Jones went through on goal. He squared it for Carvill who went down under the challenge of Trotman.

The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Darlington sent Chris Neal the wrong way.

As Preston pushed forward in search of a late equaliser the defence was left short and only Shearwood's acrobatic header off the line denied the dangerous Spann.

It was to prove in vein however, as North End went down by a single goal at the final whistle.

Preston: Neal; Hart (capt), Smith (McGreevy, 59), Trotman, Shearwood; Mayor (Aspin, 76), Appiah (Barton, 80), Fairhurst, Neal; Conchie, Smythe.
Subs Not Used: Cudworth, Collins.
Goals:
Wrexham: Williams; Garrett, Marriott, Evans (Carden, 45), Pejic, Garrett; Johnson (Darlington, 82), Fleming (capt), Mark Jones, Spann; Duffy (Lee Jones, 65), Carvill.
Subs Not Used: Maxwell, Matischok.
Goals: Darlington (pen) 86.

By Jamie Tabord