Emil Riis’ first goal of pre-season was enough to earn Preston North End a 1-0 victory away to Accrington Stanley.
Daniel Johnson had seen a penalty saved with the score at 0-0, but he turned provider for Denmark international Riis on 38 minutes.
PNE probably couldn’t believe they didn’t take the lead in the opening 20 minutes, and it was eventual goalscorer Riis to have the first chance of the game, firing wide from six yards on the end of Robbie Brady’s cross.
North End then had a penalty on 17 minutes, with Ched Evans doing very well to beat his man before being brought down by the goalkeeper, but Johnson’s spot kick was kept out by Lukas Jensen.
Evans then had a chance himself a few moments later, on the end of a brilliant team move with Brady at the heart of it, however Jensen was again equal to it.
PNE did have their goal on 38 minutes, though, as a well-contested Browne header sent Johnson away and he selflessly laid the ball across to Riis, who slotted home first time with his right foot.
Brad Potts saw a long-range effort saved just before half-time, while substitute goalkeeper Toby Savin then denied Browne from distance inside two minutes of the second period.
At the other end, Freddie Woodman’s first meaningful save of the game came on 65 minutes, as he flew to his left to tip Tommy Leigh’s powerful effort round the post.
In a second half full of changes, there were few chances of note, with Liam Lindsay having the last opportunity of the game, heading over with just a few minutes left on the clock.
Accrington Stanley line-up: Jensen (Savin, 45); Sangare (Rodgers, 66), Rich-Baghuelou, Astley, Clark (Nolan, 74); Coyle, Hamilton (Pell, 67); Lowe (Longelo, 56), Pritchard (Leigh, 56), McConville (Whalley, 56); Bishop (Adedoyin, 56). Subs not used: Conneely, Martin, Procter, Perritt.
PNE line-up: Woodman (Cornell, 66); Diaby (Storey, 66), Bauer (Lindsay, 56), Cunningham (Hughes, 56); Potts (Olosunde, 74), Ledson (Whiteman, 56), Browne (McCann, 56), Johnson (Woodburn, 66), Brady (Coulton, 66); Evans (Amaral, 82), Riis (O’Neill, 82).
Attendance: 1,897 (1,014 PNE fans)
Referee: Mr D Webb.