LONDON (Interstat) — Preston North End opened its English Championship season with a 2-1 comeback victory over Charlton Athletic on Saturday at The Valley.

Joe Rankin-Costello gave Preston a lead in the 18th minute, but Charlton’s Lewis Dobbin equalized seven minutes later. The decisive goal came from Preston substitute Brad Potts in the 65th minute. The result defied pre-match projections that heavily favored the home side.

The match was a physical affair, producing five yellow cards. Preston’s Lloyd Jones and Lyndon Dykes were booked in the first half, followed by cautions for Odeluga Offiah, Ben Whiteman and Daniel Iversen after the break. The victory gives Preston a winning start to the league campaign, while Charlton begins with a loss.