Boss Alex Neil still has work to do with Preston North End frontline

Preston striker Sean Maguire in action against Newcastle United at Deepdale

Alex Neil says there will be a focus on Preston’s attacking play in training leading up to the season opener at Millwall.

The Lilywhites finished their pre-season programme with a 2-1 win over Newcastle at the weekend.

Both goals were penalties from Paul Gallagher and PNE did not create a hatful of chances.

So Neil wants to sharpen things up at that end of the pitch ready for the visit to The Den.

North End boss Neil told the Lancashire Post: “We had trained a lot last week on the back four squeezing the line, following the defeat to Southampton.

“That part of our game was much improved when we played Newcastle, I thought we defended very well and looked solid.

“We know we need to work on more front patterns now as much as anything to make sure we have that cutting edge.

“Against Newcastle our main threat came from set-pieces and we need more from open play when we attack.”

North End scored 14 goals in their eight friendly games in pre-season.

They won 2-0 against both Bamber Bridge and Cork City, then beat AFC Fylde 4-0. Neil’s men won 2-0 against Chorley before losing 3-1 to Southampton.

There was a 1-1 draw with Accrington then they lost 1-0 at Fleetwood on Friday night.