Doncaster as everyone knew could pass the ball well. Nothing has changed there and they started the game the better of the two sides. Ferguson who before hand said Russell would not start due to a lack of pre-season training inexplicable started Russell in place of Coutts - this proved costly.
The away side settled well and were up early doors thanks to a fine finish from O'Connor on the right hand edge of the box through a whole host of bodies int he box. This was doubled soon after when a Lonergan save was only parried to Hayter who nodded home from a yard out.
Preston then started to get to grips with the fact that they were actually playing a league match with Brown missing a sitter after being set up by Hayes. Treacey looked the liveliest of the forward players whilst Russell looked like he was lackinganything like match sharpness.
Doncaster still retained posession well but North End made a fist of it in the second half when Coutts replced Russll and the lightning quick King replced Hayes. King ended up playing at full back at times but his pace will prove an assett.
KIng missed a gilt edged chance passing back to the keeper whilst TReacey and Davidson both had opportunities. The visitors ended the game with ten men when Gillett was shoen a second yellow for a foul on Jones where the studs were raised in a stamping like motion.
Preston have a lot to work on over the next few weeks if they are to avoid a poor start to the season with some tough games ahead.