Preston North End have continued their preparations for the new season by recording a 2-1 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park.
Motherwell twice threatened in the early stages through Marvin Johnson, who curled an effort past the post before forcing Jamie Jones into a fine save with a powerful strike.
A sluggish start from Preston was quickly forgotten when they broke the deadlock with a patient move which ended with Joe Garner heading home from a Paul Gallagher cross.
The lead was doubled in spectacular fashion just two minutes later as Neil Kilkenny capitalised on space to pick out the top corner with a fine finish from the edge of the box.
Motherwell continued to ask questions of the Preston defence, but it was the visitors who created the first chance of the second half when Garner sent a volley just past the post.
Jones came to Preston's rescue to deny Johnson once again, before Dan Twardzik was forced into action at the other end to keep out a close-range effort from Jermaine Beckford.
It proved to be a common theme for the hosts as Lionel Ainsworth was the next player to be left frustrated when Jones tipped his shot over the crossbar.
Jones was finally beaten late on as Motherwell's summer signing Louis Moult sprinted clear of the visiting defence before firing home, but Preston managed to hold on for the win.
Callum Mulvihill
