The goalless scoreline was a far cry from the Latics’ last two Championship openers, which witnessed five goals apiece - but the die was cast early on, with this all-Lancashire tussle producing a tepid start. Early-season jitters prevented any early momentum either way, but the game eventually sparked into life, as Jack Whatmough prompted Freddie Woodman into action midway through the first half, after Preston failed to clear their line from a Wigan corner. James McClean was next to try his luck for Wigan, but he showered three efforts off-target in the space of two minutes.

Despite Wigan’s assured return to second-tier action, the best chances of the half fell Preston’s way. Emil Riis had the first as he raced clear on goal, only to see his left-footed strike flash wide of the target. Troy Parrott replicated the Dane on the stroke of half time as he too spurned a 1v1, but this time Ben Amos produced a stunning stop to deny him. He then prevented Riis on the follow up to ensure the scores remained level at the break.

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Preston North End

The second half began in equally scrappy fashion, and though Wigan were the dominant force immediately after the break, they failed to test Woodman in the Preston goal. As for Preston's main outlets, Parrott looked eager to atone for his missed first-half opportunity, and he again went close 20 minutes from time. Robbie Brady’s delicate ball released the Tottenham loanee on the inside-left, but his effort whistled across the face of Amos’ goal.

Preston’s hopes of a winner were then realistically dashed ten minutes later, when Ched Evans was dismissed for a stomach-churning challenge on Curtis Tilt. Wigan failed to make their man advantage count though, and were forced to settle for a point, which both sides may feel was a fair result.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 0-0 Preston North End.

Attendance; 15,429

Referee; Mr Robert Madley