PRESTON......................................................................... 1 Honours even at Deepdale in big test for United

NEWCASTLE United were held to a 1-1 draw at Deepdale in their second preseason friendly of the summer.

The Magpies snatched the lead early thanks to Aleksandar Mitrovic, but Preston North End fought their way back into the game to provide Rafa Benitez’s side with a real test in Lancashire.

Despite the divisional gap between the two sides, Preston were a couple of weeks ahead of Newcastle in terms of match fitness – and it showed.

Nevertheless, home goalkeeper Chris Maxwell was probably man of the match as he kept the Magpies at bay with some fine saves.

United made a bright start, with Siem De Jong forcing Maxwell into a save after Mitrovic’s lay-off, then from the resultant corner, Jonjo Shelvey swung the ball to the back post with the Serb heading wide.

But the Toon striker was in on the act with eight minutes gone when Paul Dummett’s shot was parried by Maxwell before Mitrovic pounced to fire home from close range.

It was Mitrovic’s fifth goal in four games against the Lilywhites after enjoying some good form against them last season.

Preston responded with an effort from Alan Browne but Rob Elliot easily claimed the ball and snuffed out the danger.

Newcastle almost doubled the lead on 27 minutes after Chancel Mbemba won a corner on the right-hand side.

Christian Atsu whipped the ball in and it fell for Mitrovic at the back post only for the striker to smack the base of the upright.

Preston responded again and won a free-kick after half an hour but Daniel Johnson’s effort was high and wide.

However, as the ball was whipped in from the left, Newcastle failed to pick up Tom Barkhuizen and the Preston man slammed home at the back post to tie things up.

Preston finished the first half the stronger of the two teams but the teams went in level at the break.

U n i t e d m a d e e i g h t changes in t h e second half and handed Jacob Murphy his debut just a few days after making the £10m switch from Norwich.

Murphy showed some good touches and displayed his l i g h t n i n g - q u i c k pace, but Newcastle will need to get him on the ball more than this.

De Jong produced a defence-splitting pass on 50 minutes when he sent Ciaran Clark, playing at left-back, darting down the wing. His cross for Dwight Gayle. though. was saved by the feet of Maxwell in an uncharacteristic miss for the Toon number 9. Just before the hour mark. Newcastle had to thank Karl Darlow after he stayed alert to somehow flick away Hugill’s acrobatic effort. Murphy offered a glimpse of what he can do when United get him on the ball.

With an hour gone, Jack Colback slipped the ball out the right with Murphy skinning his marker and returning it in some style.

Colback then cut the ball across to De Jong but the Dutchman was denied by Maxwell’s save over the bar.

There were 20 minutes left when another good run down the left from Clark forced a corner. Colback’s ball into the box dropped for Mbemba whose shot was deflected over the bar.

Newcastle then introduced their third goalkeeper of the afternoon when Freddie Woodman came on for Darlow.

Benitez then handed Javier Manquillo his debut with 15 minutes left with the former Sunderland man coming on to play in a midfield role.

Mbemba came close to scoring again after a corner on 79 minutes.