Talking points from Preston North End's loss against La Liga side Getafe

It was a good test for Ryan Lowe’s side who took the lead through Andrew Hughes but a double from defender Gaston Alvarez Soza saw the Spaniards to the win.

PNE did also have the ball in the net through Alan Browne after an excellent move but that was flagged for offside.

The result in the end was not the main thing, as is always the case in pre-season, instead minutes into the legs and coming through unscathed.

North End started the game with a slightly different shape, playing a 3-4-2-1 with Ben Woodburn and Daniel Johnson in behind Emil Riis.

It is a rare tweak to the system by Lowe who has only really played anything but his 3-5-2 once since joining North End, starting with two deep midfielders against West Bromwich Albion – although he has switched formation mid game in the past.

It was the first sighting of Robbie Brady in a Preston North End shirt for the Lilywhites’ faithful who travelled in their numbers to support their team.

The Irishman looked every bit the former Premier League player that he is, he was talking through out and guiding those around him through the game, he had fantastic intensity and the quality on the ball to set up the goal, and nearly another.

There will continue to be question marks surrounding him and his fitness but he looks in fine shape at the moment, hopefully that will last.

He could be exactly what North End have been looking for with a real eye for a pass and cross on the flank.

The highlight of the game however must be the fans and their support. To come in such numbers to a foreign training camp at relatively short notice is exceptional. The atmosphere at the game was vibrant, and relaxed, and it was everything that gives pre-season – and the club - such a good feeling at the moment.

Lowe and his players all gave as much time as was needed for pictures for fans after the game and even back at the hotel making it a day that will go down in the memories of PNE fans for some time.