Neil made just one change to the starting eleven which beat reading with Browne replacing Harrop. This was the last game in what was billed as a difficult August but Preston completed an impressive month.
The game ended goalless but Preston looked the more dominant team which is an impressive sign for the remainder of the season given that the home team are set to be fighting for promotion this season.
The only real chances for Middlesbrough came when Assombolonga latched onto a ball after a Huntington slip in the first half. He barged through the defence but an oncoming Maxwell prevented any trouble.
Downing on as a substitute also had a shot in the closing stages which Maxwell saved but apart from that the rest of the game was controlled by the visitors.
Preston had several chances. Barkhuizen came closest in the first half with a shot tipped on the post. Harrop on as a subsitute was played through but scuffed his shot. There were others a well who went close.
The formation suits Preston. Johnson and Pearson played well athough the latter was booked again. Pearson also stayed on at half time to keep loose as he appeared to have a knock.
Maguire and Barkhuizen supported well and the goals will come but defensively Preston looked good with ayoung backline featuring Earl and Davies again.
North End now need to get through the transfer window hopefully adding to the depth an maintaining the core of the squad. This is a far better August then anyone imagined and allows Preston to push on in September.