Plymouth Argyle were all but relegated from the Championship despite victory over a Preston North End side who remain in deep trouble following a dismal run of just one win in 14 games.

Luton Town's dramatic win over Coventry City in the 12:30 BST kick off meant Argyle had to win both their remaining games and make up an unrealistic goal difference to survive.

And although a fine first-half Mustapha Bundu strike and a neat close-range finish from Callum Wright after the break ensured victory, the Pilgrims will be relegated barring a freak set of results on the final day of the season.

A lacklustre North End improved in the second half, upping the urgency and creating several chances.

But although Paul Heckingbottom's side finished the game with almost 70% possession and a total of 21 shots, they only had a late Emil Riis goal to show for their efforts and are just one point above the bottom three with one game to go.

The only consolation will be the fact their goal difference remains healthy in comparison to their rivals.

Derby County's victory away to fellow strugglers Hull City takes the Rams up to 19th place, above Preston on goal difference. Luton are also on 49 points and a point ahead of the Tigers, who drop into the final relegation spot.

The hosts had started well enough but their brittle confidence was shaken when Adam Randell and Bali Mumba combined to tee up Bundu for the opening goal.

Bundu could have doubled the lead soon after but he just failed to get on the end of Muhamed Tijani's pass after a neat one-two.

But Preston then settled and started to create chances.

Liam Lindsay had a header from a corner tipped over by keeper Conor Hazard, who also made a smart block from a close-range Stefan Thordarson strike, while Riis and Lindsay also both went close with headers.

The outstanding Robbie Brady was at the heart of Preston's best moments, forcing a fine save from Hazard after the break while Milutin Osmajic made a mess of a great opportunity when he fired wide when well placed.

That proved costly when a Kornel Szucs long throw was only half cleared and Maksym Talovierov flicked the ball into the path of Wright, who reacted quickly to score from six yards.

Riis at least gave Preston some late hope of avoiding a fourth straight defeat, but Argyle survived six minutes of added time for just their 11th win in 45 league games.

Plymouth Argyle head coach Miron Muslic told BBC Radio Devon:

"I feel empty and heartbroken. We gave it our all but it was not easy for the lads to go from the first whistle knowing Luton had scored this unbelievable goal in minute 90.

"It was a tough one to take and be ready to give it our all one more time.

"We showed we have the right character but unfortunately it was not enough and we will get relegated. It's a sad day for all of us. It's over, unfortunately.

"We had an obligation as a team and staff - and to the Green Army, who needed to see their team fighting."

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom said:

"A scare like this is 100 per cent [a wake-up call]. But all I'm focused on is the preparation and the performance next week. That's it. That's what we mentioned today.

"The missing bits were in both boxes and we should be having a completely different conversation, but I've said that too many times and that's been the one consistent flaw in our performances.

"When we've had the performances, when we've had the chances, we've not picked up enough three points off it and that's the tale of it. When we've not been at our best, we've not been able to get over the line like Plymouth have today.

"It's a tale of both boxes. We were wasteful in their box and they were clinical in ours. That's it.

"Everything else in between is propaganda when you're looking for results. Even though we controlled that bit, the game's always controlled with what happens in both boxes."