Preston North End kicked off their pre-season preparations with a comfortable 3-0 win over Bamber Bridge on Saturday.
The annual fixture is always a firm favourite among supporters and there was a healthy crowd of more than 2,000 in attendance as second half goals from Ben Whiteman, Ben Woodburn and Mikey O'Neill secured the win for Ryan Lowe's side. Match minutes are as important as results for Lowe and Co at this stage of the year and things will only ramp up ahead of the opening afternoon against Wigan in a little over three weeks time.
Here's what we noted from the weekend warm-up.
Only six teams scored fewer league goals in the Championship than PNE last season.
Lowe has already expressed his desire to bring in at least one striker - but cdentre forwards are often the hardest position to address. Emil Riis, bright at Brig, has shown the capabilities to score goals in the second tier but an early injury to Sean Maguire emphasises the need for added options. The Irishman is facing a key stage in his career at the club and managed only one league goal last term. Ched Evans, who was quiet in his 45 minute showing, only netted two and none after November. It's a position PNE need to strengthen if they are to challenge for the top six.
One potential avenue to more goals is Ben Woodburn. The former Liverpool star is with PNE as he seeks a new club and netted at Brig. He showed some lovely touches on the ball and the vision to switch play and, as a no risk signing, looks worthy of a deal.
The question would be where he fits into the Lowe system and if he has enough quality to flourish in a second striker role. He's certainly got the talent and ability to succeed at this level but after a disappointing couple of
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