Jordan Bent's 30th minute strike ensured Champions Preston made a winning start to the new campaign against visitors Carlisle United.
Bent struck fifteen minutes before the interval, showing great speed leaving the United defence standing, to cleverly finish past keeper John Ball.
Preston were out to seek revenge over their opponents who dished out a 1-0 victory over the Lilywhites in the final game of last season.
North End's young guns made hard work of their victory with several great opportunities squandered in front of goal. But the Lilywhites' performance will have impressed manager Jamie Hoyland as they look to successfully defend their league title.
Several new faces are in the North End squad this season, including first year scholar Doyle Middleton. The midfielder made the history books earlier in the week becoming the youngest player to represent the first team as a second half substitute in the 5-0 drubbing of League Two side Stockport County in the Carling Cup.
But it was second year scholar Michael McLellan who was causing the Cumbrians problems in the early exchanges of the game. The Northern Irish striker picked the ball up on the left hand side and cut inside of his marker to drive a low shot that whisked just past the right hand post.
McLellan was back in the thick of the action moments later after a crunching tackle from skipper Danny Devine won the ball back for the home side. Devine made an advanced run into the oppositions half to thread a pass through to McLellan. The 5'11 inch striker was under severe pressure from centre back Steven Swinglehurst which resulted in him shooting wide of the mark.
North End's dominance in possession finally paid off in what was the winning goal as Carlisle's defence couldn't cope with Bent's acceleration. The dangerous winger, who was quiet up until the goal, was clean through after a perfectly weighted pass from Seanan Clucas. With time on his hands, Bent coolly picked his spot with a dinked finish which saw the Preston players mob the midfielder in delight.
There were several individual displays which will have impressed the management team, including defender Reece James. James, brother of Manchester United loanee Matt, put in a solid performance at left back making dangerous runs up and down the flank causing the Carlisle defence problems all game.
Five minutes after the break, Preston came close to doubling their advantage. A powerful, surging run from Middleton saw the midfielder shrug off two challenges before driving a fierce shot from 15 yards out, only for goalkeeper Bell to save well.
Hoyland changed his team's system, with McLellan who was operating on the left now playing central of a three man attack allowing Matt Dudley to move out wide.
The tactical change almost had an immediate effect, as McLellan, determined to grab a goal, missed narrowly after good work from James. The attacking full back made a darting run to play the ball to McLellan but the striker with work to do was pressured into the corner by the Carlisle defence. Skilfully McLellan flicked the ball round David Symington to strike a shot from a very tight angle, which failed to test Bell and whistled past the far post.
Manager Hoyland was forced into making an unwelcome change as Middleton came off with a leg injury to be replaced by midfielder Naim El- Harrati.
Two chances fell to Preston in close succession which would have sealed the victory but both opportunities were wasted as the frustration was clear to see.
The first chance fell to Devine, who was a commanding figure at the heart of the Preston defence throughout the game. Devine unfortunately couldn't quite reach a Luke Clark free kick, as the Northern Irish youth international was left unmarked at the back post.
Clark was the second player that failed to capitalise on poor defending by United as he couldn't get a clean connection on his header after a superb cross from James.
With ten minutes to go Carlisle began to pick the momentum up looking threatening on the break as they pushed for an equaliser, which would have been underserved.
PNE managed to weather the storm and even had one more opportunity on goal, but McLellan's dipping shot was turned over magnificently by keeper Bell.
Manager Jamie Hoyland was impressed with his side's opening day's performance. He said: "A lot of positive things come out of today's game; we passed the ball well, which we worked on.
"We had a young side out today and they are getting used to it. We could have taken our chances a little better and won the game more comfortably, but I am pleased with today's performance."
Preston: Comrie, Parish, Reece James, Clark, Devine (C), Holton, Bent, Clucas, McLellan, Middleton (El-Harrati 68), Dudley. Unused Subs: Hall, Steve James, Robinson.
Carlisle: Ball, Symington, Cahill (Bunner 66), Swinglehurst, McGlen, McKenna, Towler, Beck, Jones (Gill 77), Osmond. Unused Subs: Clement, Sloan.
Report by Jonathon Swift. Photography by Anthony Farran.
