The major talking points from Preston North End's draw with Wigan Athletic

Though there were no goals in the game, it was anything but a bore draw as both teams battled it out and Ched Evans was sent off 10 minutes before the end.

The game was scrappy at time but no quarter was given by either side, Evans’ late sliding tackle on Curtis Tilt shifitng the game into the Latics’ favour as PNE sat in for the closing stages.

Here are four talking points from the game at the DW Stadium

Debutants

There were five debutants on show for Ryan Lowe’s side on Saturday, three from the off.

Freddie Woodman started as expected in goal, with Robbie Brady at left wing back and Troy Parrott up front.

The first two were no surprise, Woodman the new no.1 and Brady a standout in pre-season, but the Spurs loanee was thrown straight in after less than a week at the club.

He did well in his first outing, though he should have found the net.

Off the bench came Ben Woodburn and Alvaro Fernandez, at the same time, and both looked lively. The former in particular showed a fine first touch and accuracy in his passing whilst the latter looks to have bags of energy. The Manchester United man does look a little raw in places but if it can be harnessed he, and the other debutants, all look like good additions so far.

Not taking chances

Unfortunately for Parrott, despite his debut, it is likely his missed one on one will be his most talked about invovlement for the weeken.

The 20-year-old raced through onto Emil Riis’ through ball but could not convert past an outstrethced Ben Amos, and neither though could the Dane on the follow up.

The pair also had other chances in the game and the lack of cutting edge on the day cost them all three point which would have felt so satisfying on a tough day at the DW.

Still, at least he has 45 more games to put it right.

Another striker needed

Now that Ched Evans will be banned for the next three games, Lowe admitted post match it puts increased importance on getting another striker through the door.

In reality Evans will not actually be missing for very long, three games at different points of the season could mean a week or a month, but at the moment it is more like the former.

Hull City come to Deepdale next up followed by a midweek Carabao Cup tie agaisnt Huddersfield Town and a trip to Luton Town.

Three games no less but just seven days separating them. Sean Maguire is still a few weeks away so if missing chances weren’t enough of an indicator another striker is needed, then the lacks of bodies will be.

A sell out

PNE were backed by over 4,700 supporters for the trip to Wigan on Saturday and it is hopfeully a sign of things to come.

The Lilywhites’ faithful do travel well but the feeling around the club this season feels different and more bumper followings may be on their way.

So far though, PNE have sold out 100 per cent of their away games this season…