Camiel Neghli ruined Graham Alexander's Deepdale homecoming with a late winner at Preston as Millwall claimed a first victory in four Championship games.

Former North End full-back Alexander, taking charge for the first time after replacing Paul Heckingbottom, was unable to inspire much of an improvement from his struggling side.

Kyrell Lisbie hit the woodwork for the Lions, while Preston's Jusef Erabi went close in a tight contest that neither side controlled for any length of time.

But Preston paid the price for allowing Neghli space as he stole in to rifle home substitute Luke Cundle's cross 11 minutes from time.

Millwall's victory lifts them to eighth place, while North End - who have just one win so far this season - sink to the foot of the table.

Lisbie, returning to the starting line-up after coming on a substitute in Millwall's 2-2 draw with West Ham before the three-week international break, almost provided his side with an early lead.

He latched onto Lyndon Dykes' knockdown but struck his finish against the crossbar.

It was the home side who displayed greater endeavour during the first half, with Callum Lang's attempt from distance whistling narrowly wide, while Erabi and Leo Leroy went close in quick succession.

But Preston were unable to seriously trouble Filip Marschall until just before the interval, the Lions goalkeeper pulling off a close-range stop to thwart Erabi after Harry Clarke teed up the Swedish striker.

Home keeper Daniel Iversen was called into action after the restart to deny Lisbie, while at the other end Lang created an opening for Alfie Devine, who blazed it wide.

Both sides dipped into their bank of substitutions during the final half-hour, but it looked as if Alexander would begin his reign with a point until Neghli arrived to collect Cundle's cross and slam into the bottom corner.

Preston, who have now gone 24 league games without recording a clean sheet, were unable to find a response and Jenson Metcalfe might have doubled the Lions' advantage, but fired a late chance over.

Preston manager Graham Alexander told BBC Radio Lancashire:

"The first half was really positive, from my perspective, with the work ethic of the team. I thought we were slightly the better team without taking the lead.

"Second half we had an opportunity after about 10 to 15 minutes but, apart from that, it was an attritional game. At that stage it was a 0-0 or 1-0 and unfortunately we fell on the wrong side of that line.

"We have to improve on both sides of the game. Our defensive structure was really good to be honest and that's something we need to maintain, although there was a slight glitch on the goal.

"I thought we made great strides on that and as we have more time I think we'll see the in-possession stuff improve as well."

Millwall head coach Alex Neil told BBC Radio London:

"With the first game for the new manager, I think you always want to make sure you take away the momentum at the start of the match. You don't want them getting behind the team and then they can cause you problems.

"We certainly had our moments but I didn't think getting the ball back we were as clean as normal. In terms of using the ball transitionally we weren't as good as we could be.

"We were losing the battle in the middle and second half that changed. I didn't think Preston caused us any issues whatsoever second half and I felt we deserved to win the game.

"It was a great bit of quality for Luke (Cundle), in terms of the cut-back, picking the pass out and a brilliant finish from Cami (Neghli)."