Preston North End 0 Norwich City 0

Last updated : 11 August 2007 By Footymad Previewer
Preston North End kicked off the new season with only three stands following the demolition of the old Pavilion stand.

New signing Kevin Nicholls from Leeds United was involved in the early action with some dangerous corners, right-footed from the left wing.

Julien Brellier had the first chance for Norwich City when he hit a 35-yard right-foot shot from the left channel which went wide of the left-hand post and Simon Lappin's 25-yard shot curled wide of the left-hand post.

Lappin's left-wing cross was then headed wide by Dion Dublin from eight yards out.

Preston striker Neil Mellor had a header cleared just before the half-hour mark and then saw a 25-yard right-foot shot saved by Norwich keeper David Marshall.

Dion Dublin was booked for a foul on Callum Davidson after 43 minutes.

Preston's new signing from West Brom, Darren Carter, shot wide of the left-hand post just before half-time but it had been a lacklustre first half.

Nicholls had a direct left-wing corner saved and Mellor had a header kept out at the start of the second half. Danny Pugh was booked for a foul on Adam Drury and Carter was booked for fouling Brellier.

Mellor had a 25-yard right-foot shot saved and Darel Russell was booked for a foul on Simon Whaley.

Nicholls curled a 20-yard right-foot free-kick into the side-netting of the left-hand post after 65 minutes.

Both teams made substitutions with Lee Croft replacing Luke Chadwick and David Strihavka replacing Dublin while Mark Fotheringham came on for Brellier. Karl Hawley replaced Brett Ormerod with 10 minutes to go.

Nicholls hit the corner of the left-hand post and bar in the closing stages with a 25-yard right-foot shot and Sedgwick replaced Mellor right at the end.