Grimsby Town 1, Preston North End 2

JON Macken needed only one game to open his Preston account for the season as he looks to better his 25 goals from last time out.

In North End's first game in Division One for 20 years, the 22-year-old striker sealed the victory with a wonder goal three minutes from time.

Macken raced from 60 yards, left the Grimsby defence standing and rounded keeper Danny Coyne to secure the three points.

E "Jon Macken has to realise he has as much pace as anybody and it proved to be the key for his goal," said manager David Moyes.

But Macken has more to his game and he created Preston's opener, setting up his former Manchester United colleague Michael Appleton who's first effort was well saved by Coyne before he followed up in the 34th minute.

Moyes admitted this goal calmed his side down following a nervous opening, as Preston stepped into the unknown.

"There was just a bit of anxiety but I thought we grew and we started to play well.

"I think we coped really well."

Grimsby, one of the pre season favourites for relegation, grabbed a consolation through Steve Livingston in the 90th minute.

Team: Moilanen, Alexander, Edwards, Murdock, Gregan, McKenna, Rankine, Anderson (Robinson), Basham (Eyres), Macken, Appleton. Subs not used: Lucas, Murphy, Wright.