PRESTON launched their Northern Counties Division One league campaign in style thrashing championship contenders Wigan thanks to a rampant second-half display.
A stunning piece of skill from young debutant Johnny Chapman teed up Adam Wilson to score the opening goal.
The match became scrappy for a time as passes missed their targets and tackles were mistimed but Wilson then rose above the mediocrity as he returned the favour to Chapman, who tucked the ball under the advancing keeper.
But with ten minutes to half time, Preston hit the self-destruct button in defence, conceding a very sloppy goal.
A resounding team talk from player-coach Luke Watson had the desired effect, as Preston began to play the same scintillating hockey scoring six goals in the process.
Captain Sam Sinclair scored a fantastic individual reverse stick shot through a crowded circle to spark the second half goal-fest.
Vice-captain Jimmy Blackburn, Don Cock and Watson all notched with Phil Bowman bagging a brace.
Final score: Wigan 1 Preston 8
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