Phil Jagielka scored the only goal of a lively game at Deepdale as Everton boss David Moyes got the better of his former assistant Alan Irvine.

The Toffees could have been ahead as early as the seventh minute when promising striker Jose Baxter rattled the crossbar with a free-kick.

Baxter was the provider for the decisive goal just two minutes later when his corner was headed home by Jagielka.

Preston then enjoyed the better moments up to half-time, with new signing Barry Nicholson forcing a fine save out of Everton keeper Iain Turner.

In the second half, Lukas Jutkiewicz came close for the visitors before Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta was introduced as a substitute just past the hour mark.

Irvine's side pushed for an equaliser, but almost conceded a second goal as Andy van der Meyde and Baxter were both narrowly off target.

However, much is likely to be made of Johnson's absence from the game with the England international wanted by a clutch of Premier League clubs.