Preston North End will face Notts County on the opening day of the 2014/15 season. Here, PNE.Com takes a look at how the Lilywhites have done in previous curtain raisers.
It has been 18 years since the Club went up against the Magpies on the opening day, losing 2-1 away at Meadow Lane despite going ahead inside the first half an hour.
Former skipper Ian Bryson gave North End a 25th minute lead but County replied through Gary Jones in the second half and Gary Martindale sealed the three points for the hosts.
However, North End’s overall record against Notts County makes for good reading for the Club’s fans.
Of the 87 matches played between the sides, the Lilywhites have won 42 and the Magpies just 23. There have been 22 draws.
Simon Grayson’s charges won both fixtures against County last season, beating Shaun Derry’s outfit 2-0 at Deepdale and 1-0 at Meadow Lane.
Preston have not lost to the Magpies in over 14 years, their last defeat being by a 1-0 score line in March 2000 after Matt Redmile’s early goal.
North End faced Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first match of the 2013/14 season - a contest which ended in a 0-0 draw.
The Lilywhites’ most recent opening day league win was against Ipswich Town in 2008. Paul McKenna and Simon Whaley scored to secure the victory after Kevin Lisbie had given the Portman Road side an early lead.
North End’s last promotion-winning season, in 1999/2000, started with a 1-0 triumph over Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park. Jon Macken scored the lone goal in the 65th minute.
A 5-2 win over Lancashire neighbours Burnley kicked off Preston’s most famous campaign to date as the Invincibles began the 1888/89 season in real style.
Two goals apiece for Jimmy Ross and Fred Dewhurst, plus a strike from Jack Gordan, sealed the victory at Deepdale.