Charlton probably had the better of the first half forcing Lonergan into a good save with Preston having possession but being ineffective. Carrol was winning ball up front but Ormerod just could not get on the end of balls.
Gallagher and Sedgewick look to create down the wings but it was on the stroke of half time that Preston fell behind when a ball dropped free for Zhil to blast past Lonergand from 18 yards out.
Preston pushed forward in the second half creating a few chances, the best falling to Sedgewick from a cross who less than six yards out hit the targey only to find Nicky Weaver fling himself across goal to make a great save.
Weaver was put under pressure as Agyemang, Carter and Whaley all came on to find the equaliser. It was all to no avail as Varney wrapped up the game in stoppage time to seal the victory for Charlton.
Irvine now has to get to grips with the players on the training field as a busy period is around the corner for North End with many games over the next six weeks which could sway the season.