Six goals, five cracking headers and one long-range stunner. The opening game of the season could not have been more stylish.

The goal celebrations started after just five minutes when Ashley Higgins met Mike Aspin's cross from the right flank. A fine delivery into the box by Aspin who had plenty more to offer.

Preston kept pushing forwards and the second goal following a free-kick came as no surprise. Matty Mainwaring played it short to Danny Mayor whose clever through ball reached Aspin. The right defender sent a cross towards Nathan Fairhurst who headed home.

PNE's Arran McCarthy made some good forward runs but the referee claimed he was offside. This was not the only decision that went against Preston, and Rochdale quickly turned this into their advantage by scoring three goals in four minutes.

On 31 minutes Rochdale's Will Buckley snatched the ball from goalkeeper Chris Thompson's hands and placed it in an open goal. The equaliser followed a doubtful corner and number three was a skilful looping effort that went in via the far post.

But the Lilywhites kept going despite Rochdale's spell and made it 3-3 before the break. Higgins was once again the scorer with an assist from Aspin.

Second half started badly for Preston as Rochdale took the lead when the defenders failed to clear a corner. However, Aspin made sure it became short lived. After providing all assists in the first half, this time he thundered a long-range shot towards the left corner himself.

Arran McCarthy put PNE ahead with 15 minutes left and Dominic Collins finished the goal parade. Both headers. Of course.

Credit goes to the five goal scorers but it was the team's mental and physical strength that supplied the three points, insisted coach Jamie Hoyland: "I said at half time, well done for scoring three goals. A lot has gone against you but if you keep your heads up and don't get involved in anything daft we will win the game.

"We looked fit and strong after 90 minutes and that's what you want to get out. It looks as if the pre-season has gone well."

Hoyland was pleased that the team scored five headers but did not seem surprised.

"We have been trying to work on that because we know we are going to get good deliveries, it's just about getting the forwards to take the chance with the right runs and movement in the box."

A real team effort for North End but Mike Aspin and Danny Mayor stood out alongside Arran McCarthy who worked his socks off up front. McCarthy said: "I think we did really well. Everyone battled and put in a big effort, we just wanted to win so much."

Preston North End: Chris Thompson, Mike Aspin, Mark Bloxam, Dominic Collins, Ray Shearwood, Danny Mayor (Adam Barton 77), Philip Appiah (Thomas McMahon 69), Nathan Fairhurst, Matty Mainwaring, Arran McCarthy, Ash Higgins (Michael Conchie 80). Unused Subs: Chris Rogers, Ciaran Barton.

Frida Larsson