After much hype and anticipation the sell out away contingent were left a touch frustrated as they witnessed a goalless draw against a Wigan side who were newly promoted to the Championshp.
Storey was given a start after an impressive pre-season alongside Lindsay and Hughes at the back. Brady made his debut at left wing back whilst Potts continued on the opposite flank somewhat due to failed recruitment over the summer in this area.
Woodman also made his first start for the club and was relatively untroubled throughout whilst new loan signing Parrott was thrown straight in alogside Riis upfront.
Fenrnadez had to settle for a place on the bench but replaced Brady in the second half. Likewise Woodburn also came on as a second half subsitute to inject some energy into the play.
Preston had the better of the first half but in typical fashion only managed to fashion out one real chance towards the end of the half when Parrott was played through on goal.
Comparisons will always be made to Archer which might be unfair but Parrott's effort was well saved by the Wigan keeper. The rebound fell to Riis and the keeper managed to get his body to deflect the ball to keep the score level.
North End came close from the resulting corner but couldn't break the deadlock. The hosts then came into the game more in the second half but Preston probably had the best chance of the half when Parrott's dragged his left footed shot wide before he was taken off for Evans.
The game was heading for a draw when Evans went studs up into a challenge. He missed hte ball and caught his opponent in th chest which warranted an immediate red card from the referee. It was a justifiable red although the referee had made a few earlier dubious decisions.
North End will have to improve if they want to breakdown teams this season. They were sloppy in possession at times and created only one real chance. If that continues then they are going to be heavily reliannt on Parrott and Riis being moe clinical to conver the limited chances on offer.