A first goal from Louis Moult was not enough to prevent Preston winning 2-1 against Motherwell in Livingston on Friday night.
Moult collected a long ball over the top and finished well with just two minutes remaining. It was no less than Motherwell deserved for an enterprising second half but the damage had been done before the break.
Weak defending, which may have gone unpunished in the SPFL, led to the loss of two goals in quick succession in the middle of first period. The first was a downward header flashed across Dan Twardzik, the second a fine finish into the top corner from 18 yards.
Ian Baraclough now takes his team to Inverness next week with a record of two wins, two draws and two losses from six friendlies.
There is more hope than is suggested in that record though. Marvin Johnson looks like player of the year in waiting and Lionel Ainsworth seems in the mood - for now, at least.
Scott McDonald will improve as his fitness increases and though neither Wes Fletcher or Moult look guaranteed successes, both have shown enough to suggest they can do a job. And David Clarkson is tidy enough meaning we have plenty of attacking options even assuming Craig Moore is loaned out.
Johnson and Ainsworth both showed moments of skill against Preston and the former missed a great chance to reduce the deficit. McDonald also hit the post when he had to score before Moult finally showed how it is done.
Jack Leitch looked eager to receive the ball in his subbie appearance and with currently only the creaking combo of Keith Lasley and Stephen Pearson ahead of him, it is hard not to think of this season as make or break for the youngster.
Between the sticks, Twardzik made a superb point-blank save to stop a third goal but looked unconvincing throughout. Commanding even the six yard box, never mind his larger area, is presently beyond him; a genuine number one is a must.
That being said, he was blameless for the goals. The central defence was highly culpable at the first, the second saw slack marking in the danger area.
Josh Law was fine at right back and Stevie Hammell his reliant self. We can hope to postpone the left back question for another season, though our number three will hope he rarely sees Joe Chalmers in front of him - the former Celtic defender is not bad but blatantly not a left winger either.
Stephen McManus and Louis Laing were strong enough for most part but there were mistakes and more free headers allowed than was reassuring. However, the progression from bombscares to safe pairs of hands probably includes some dodgy moments and we will rarely face sides with the quality up front as Preston.
It was a worthwhile exercise and for moments even rose above the level of pre-season kickabout. But we can all be grateful the real stuff begins again next week.