The Lilywhites went into half-time a goal down, but pulled level thanks to a Tendayi Darikwa own-goal. The hosts then found themselves 3-1 up, before Joe Rodwell-Grant hit back for Preston, but his side were unable to find an equalisier.
Speaking after the game, Preston boss Frankie McAvoy revealed: “We knew it was going to be a tough game against a League One team who have brought in quite a few good players. We watched them against Stoke when they beat them 2-1.
“I felt it was a chance to see us play 4-3-3, see how we looked with wingers and a back four.
“I thought we started really well, moved the ball well. The disappointing thing was Wigan scored with their first attempt, we needed to be a bit better defensively.”
He added: “The biggest plus for me was Alan Browne's performance, he was excellent. I thought he looked back to the way that I know he is capable of being, I was really pleased with him.
“Patrick Bauer got 90 minutes while young Sepp van den Berg went in as a left-sided centre-back and got an opportunity.
“Joe Rafferty and Josh Earl were the full-backs, while I got Scotty Sinclair into a wide area where he seems more at ease in terms of playing. When we got Scotty on the ball, I thought he looked dangerous.”
Preston will now focus on their opening game of the season - a home clash against recently promoted Hull City this Saturday.
We’ve gathered the best of today’s transfer speculation below…
5. Ramsdale race hots up
Burnley and Watford are the latest sides to be linked with Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Arsenal are the current favourites to sign the £30m-rated ace, who re-joined the Blades from Bournemouth last summer. (talkSPORT) Photo: Alex Pantling
6. Blades linked with McGrath
Sheffield United have been credited with an interest St Mirren midfielder Jamie McGrath. The Republic of Ireland international netted an impressive 17 goals in the Scottish top tier last season, including ten penalties. (Mirror) Photo: Laszlo Szirtesi
7. Dembele could bring Posh £4m
Peterborough United are rumoured to be willing to accept £4m for key player Siriki Dembele. The 24-year-old, whose contract expires next summer, is of interest to the likes of Fulham, Bournemouth and Celtic. (HITC) Photo: David Rogers
8. Forest want £6m for midfielder
Nottingham Forest are believed to have slapped a £6m price tag on their attacking midfielder Brennan Johnson, who is a key target of Brentford. The Bees' initial £2m is believed to have been rejected by Forest. (Nottingham Post) Photo: Laurence Griffiths