Preston North End 1 - 1 Notts County

As fixtures go, today's opening League One clash between Notts and Preston North End was about as difficult as they come. The Lilywhites are among the favourites for promotion, not to mention the Magpies' poor recent record against them. Oh, and we were away.

However, we played well, and in the end, were unlucky not to come away with all three points, as none other than a former Forest player, Joe Garner, scored right at the death to make it 1-1.

Both teams started slowly and tentatively, but soon Preston came into their own and began asserting themselves, with several corners coming the way of the home side.

In the 18th minute, Andrew Little dragged a shot just wide of the far post from inside the box, while just six minutes later, new Notts goalkeeper Roy Carroll had to be at his best to palm away a Paul Gallagher effort.

Preston continued to turn on the screw, as Josh Brownhill and Neil Kilkenny were next to test the ex-Manchester United stopper.

The Magpies countered through Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Jake Cassidy, whose shot was saved, before defender Haydn Hollis headed the rebound over from just three yards.

Preston were arguably unlucky to end the half without registering a goal, Alan Browne smashing an effort against the Notts bar.

Just as he was about to crash the rebound into the net, Hayden Mullins went in with a great tackle to deny the North End man.

Notts, however, could have broken the deadlock right at the end of the first half, as they broke away through Nicky Wroe, but he drilled into the side netting from a tight angle .

Just six minutes after the restart, Cassidy sent the away fans into a frenzy as he received the ball in the box and smashed a shot from a very tight angle into the net to open the scoring.

Preston, stunned as they were, composed themselves quickly, and almost pulled themselves back level when Joe Garner’s 50-yard effort forced Carroll into a save, with a corner kick conceded.

With the home side continually coming forward, it ultimately wasn't to be for Shaun Derry's side. Magpie hearts were broken as, with just one minute left of the game, Garner struck to level the scores and ensure that both sides would split the points at the final whistle.