Charlton arrived in Lancashire boasting an impressive record, lying just behind their opponents with a defensive record only bettered by early pace-setters Middlesbrough.
The fact that Preston have also built their bright early-season form on being solid might have been a good indicator of what kind of game this would be, especially with the wind and rain interfering with any attempt at creativity.
On-loan Aston Villa man Lewis Dobbin was the only bright spark in a gloomy first half, twice firing wide after excellent approach work, while Charlton dealt well with a stream of crosses from left wing-back Andrija Vukcevic.
That disciplined and organised defence is the reason the Addicks had lost just once away going into the game and the visiting fans were hoping they could sneak a goal at the other end, which they almost did as Reece Burke’s cross narrowly evaded Tyreece Campbell.
The left-hand side was proving to be Preston’s fruitful zone, however, and Ali McCann somehow headed a great chance straight at goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski when Andrew Hughes’ cross bounced up perfectly for him, six yards out.
Vukcevic was next to hit the byeline and when his cross caused chaos Dobbin nudged a pass to Small, and the winger struck a shot which looped off Kayne Ramsay to deceive Kaminski and drop into the net.
Charlton boss Nathan Jones sent on Isaac Olaofe, Amari’i Bell and Harvey Knibbs in a bid to salvage a point but the game was up with 10 minutes left thanks to yet another left-sided raid.
This time it was substitute Alfie Devine galloping away from the defence and he measured his cross for the lunge of Jebbison, whose inclusion at the expense of fans’ favourite Milutin Osmajic had caused some social media consternation ahead of the game.