The away side made a fast start and took the lead after just six minutes as Jermaine Beckford capitalised on some poor defending and slipped the ball into the bottom corner.

Jermaine Beckford of Preston North End celebrates his goal during the Sky Bet League One Playoff Semi-Final, first leg match between Chesterfield and Preston North End at the Proact Stadium on May 7, 2015 © Getty Images

Beckford almost supplied a second a few minutes later as he set up Joe Garner, but the striker shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Chesterfield struggled to contain Preston's fluid forwards, but they started to create chances themselves as Jimmy Ryan had a shot blocked and Dan Gardner's long-range effort was tipped round the post.

They continued to create opportunities after the break as Gary Roberts went close with a low effort which drifted slightly wide, but the visitors maintained a strong defensive structure.

Tempers flare between the players of Chesterfield and Preston North End during the Sky Bet League One Playoff Semi-Final, first leg match between Chesterfield and Preston North End at the Proact Stadium on May 7, 2015 © Getty Images

However, Chesterfield piled more men forward as time went on and Sam Johnstone was forced into a sprawling save to keep out Roberts's effort, while Ollie Banks scuffed a shot from close range.

Preston hung on to see the game out and will be favourites to secure a spot at Wembley when they host Chesterfield in the return leg on Sunday.