Preston kept up their play-off hopes with a 2-0 win against Portsmouth.
Portsmouth dominated the opening period, but Clyde Wijnhard and Gary Alexander, from the penalty spot, grabbed the goals in the second half.
Pompey's Svetoslav Todorov was sent off for violent conduct in the second half. Wijnhard hit the post late on.
The visitors started the quicker of the two teams, with Kevin Harper going close three times in the opening quarter of an hour. Wijnhard then twice went close from distance.
Scott Wilson almost made a dream start to his Pompey career in the 20th minute. The on-loan Rangers defender met Jamie Vincent's free-kick powerfully but Tepi Moilanen was equal to his headed effort.
Harry Redknapp, taking charge of his first match, gave debuts to all three of his transfer deadline day signings. Eddie Howe, who cost £400,000 from Bournemouth, joined Wilson in the centre of defence, while Middlesbrough's Mark Summerbell, on a month's loan, came into midfield.
Kelham O'Hanlon threw on Rob Edwards for Adam Eaton at half-time as he looked to shore up his shaky defence. Pompey made a change of their own at the back after 51 minutes, Howe's debut being cut short by injury, and just after the hour Wijnhard took advantage of his departure to open the scoring.
Lee Cartwright's cross found the former Leeds man unmarked six yards out and he made no mistake with a spectacular right foot volley.
Things went from bad to worse for the visitors a minute later when they were reduced to 10 men. Todorov took exception to Sean Gregan's challenge on him and was sent off for violent conduct after striking out.
Preston increased their advantage from the penalty spot in the 70th minute after Wilson was adjudged to have brought down Wijnhard, Gary Alexander coolly despatching the resulting spot-kick.
Gareth Ainsworth came on for his Preston debut and his new team-mates almost grabbed a third with five minutes remaining, Wijnhard beating Dave Beasant but seeing his shot come back off the woodwork.