Preston 0-0 Everton

The Blues were at Preston for Paul McKenna's testimonial match and it was North End that started the brightest and dominated the first 45 minutes.

Preston's first chance of the game came when he robbed Lee Carsley of the ball and sent David Nugent clear.

But the boyhood Blue's shot was blocked by Joseph Yobo who tracked back well to avert the danger.

Everton's first chance of the game came shortly after and it fell to Andy Johnson but he skied his effort well over from just outside the area.

Preston were looking dangerous on the flanks but the Everton defence dealt with their crosses well and both teams were relying on shots from distance that weren't troubling either ‘keeper too much.

Everton then came out for the second half having made four substitutions as Wright, Yobo, Arteta and Johnson were replaced by Turner, Stubbs, Neville and Osman.

The Blues had sprung into life quickly in the second half and Lee Carsley bounced a free kick off the bar on 48 minutes.

The next chance fell to Beattie but he hit his shot straight at PNE's substitute ‘keeper Andy Longeran.

Everton's play was far more incisive in the second half as Osman proved to be a pivotal link between the midfield and Beattie in attack.

It was Osman who nearly broke the deadlock but his shot from the edge of the area cannoned off the head of Youl Mawene and away to safety.

Iain Turner also showed some assured goalkeeping to keep out a volley from Simon Whalley and a Daniele Dichio header.

Anichebe and trialist Delron Buckley came on for Davies and Kilbane late in the second half but, despite pushing hard for a winner, Everton just couldn't breach the PNE backline.

The result may look disappointing but Everton remain unbeaten in pre-season and this was certainly a good workout for the players.

And, as the second half re-shuffle proved, this Everton squad will give David Moyes far more options all over the pitch than previous squads.