Charlton dominated the early stages, with captain Greg Docherty narrowly missing the target with a left-footed volley within the first minute. Joe Rankin-Costello then went close, his header from a Tyreece Campbell cross coming back off the post. Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen made crucial saves to deny Campbell and Lyndon Dykes.
Charlton eventually took the lead in the 18th minute through Rankin-Costello's close-range volley. However, Preston equalized in the 25th minute when Lewis Dobbin headed in his eighth league goal of the campaign from Potts' cross. The visitors controlled the early stages of the second half, with Alfie Devine's low cross finding Daniel Jebbison, who prodded wide at the near post.
Charlton boss Nathan Jones made a double change in the 57th minute, introducing Matty Godden and Ibrahim Fullah. Preston then went ahead in the 65th minute, with Dobbin releasing the ball for Potts to beat Will Mannion with a low finish.
Charlton pushed for an equalizer, with Lloyd Jones connecting with Jayden Fevrier's low cross, but Iversen made a crucial block. Preston defender Andrew Hughes broke into the box but produced a poor attempt, while Dobbin over-hit the ball as he attempted to set up a simple tap-in for Milutin Osmajic. Charlton went close through Godden and Jones, but Preston held on for the win.
Charlton's Nathan Jones expressed concerns over his team's home form, stating that they have had numerous chances but lack the conversion rate needed to win games. Preston's Paul Heckingbottom praised his team's performance, highlighting the threat posed by Lewis Dobbin and the strength of Brad Potts on the counter-attack.