Charlie Raglan’s second-half own goal earned Championship Preston a hard-fought 1-0 Carabao Cup first-round victory at League Two Barrow.
The former Cheltenham and Oldham defender headed substitute Ben Whiteman’s long ball past Ben Winterbottom with the goalkeeper stranded close to the edge of his area.
It was tough luck on debutant Winterbottom, who produced a series of fine saves to keep the Cumbrians on level terms.
But it was far from a one-sided contest as Andy Whing’s side looked to shake off two opening fourth-tier defeats.
North End goalkeeper Jack Walton produced a vital stop to deny Connor Mahoney, moments before Raglan’s 66th-minute mistake.
Walton was beaten when Mahoney tried his lucky from close range, while the midfielder screwed a shot wide at the end of the opening half.
Tyler Walker also put the ball in the net but referee Ross Joyce ruled the striker had kicked it out of Walton’s hands.
North End, whose only previous visit to Holker Street resulted in a 1971 League Cup victory, created plenty of chances to ensure a wider margin of victory.
But Preston-born Winterbottom and poor finishing prevented a second goal.
The Bluebirds almost forced penalties as former North End midfielder Tom Barkhuizen struck the woodwork in the 89th minute but the visitors held on.
