Mitrovic is Deepdale bogeyman

PREMIER LEAGUE new boys Newcastle had to settle for a draw at Deepdale in only their second pre-season friendly of the summer.

It was a bright display by Rafa Benitez’s men in the opening period before he made eight changes at half-time.

And Preston’s Chris Maxwell was certainly the busier of the two keepers, though he could do nothing to stop Aleksandar Mitrovic giving the visitors the lead.

The Toon frontman was on the mark in the eighth minute.

Paul Dummett’s shot was parried by Maxwell but Mitrovic pounced to fire in from close range.

The Serbia striker is proving something of a menace to North End – he scored four times against them last season.

But new Deepdale boss Alex Neil will be pleased with the Championship outfit’s response.

North End hotshot Tom Barkhuizen fired the Lilywhites level before the break after popping up at the back post.

After the interval, Newcastle gave £12million Jacob Murphy his first start since signing from Norwich City.

Benitez also handed Javier Manquillo his debut with 15 minutes to go.