MAGIC MIKE

Caretaker boss Marsh off to winning start as North End scald Cats

- NEIL GOULDING

A GOAL in each half lifted the gloom at managerless Preston as they saw off a youthful Sunderland outfit.

Under the guidance of caretaker boss Mike Marsh, following Ryan Lowe's departure on Monday, North End comfortably booked their place in the second round draw of the Carabao Cup.

Both sides made changes as new Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris switched his full starting XI at rainswept Deepdale.

Both sets of players struggled to make inroads early on before the visitors missed an early sitter.

Abdoullah Ba rose comfortably to meet an in-swinging cross from Adil Aouchiche, but got his effort all wrong as the ball eventually struck his hand and trickled harmlessly wide.