MORECAMBE boss Sammy McIlroy said this result was an important pre-season lesson for his side.

The Shrimps slumped to their first defeat of the pre-season with all three North End goals coming in a rampant opening spell by Alan Irvine's side.

Goals from Sean St Ledger, Karl Hawley and Neil Mellor did the damage inside the first 23 minutes and although Morecambe were far more solid for the remainder of the game McIlroy felt there were some important lessons for his side.

"We won't face opponents of Preston's quality week in week out that's for sure. But there were important lessons for us to learn, especially defending at set pieces.

"There were some plus points in the second half with Neil Wainwright and Barry Roche impressing but there is no doubt we need to be sharper.

"You don't like to lose games but I'd much rather we has a tough test like this than go and beat a lower league side easily.

"These sort of games tell you more about your side and give you more of an indication about where you need to improve things.''

McIlroy knows his side will certainly have to improve on their shocking start. North End ran riot and cut through the Shrimps all too easily with Chris Sedgwick taking advantage.

With just three minutes gone, his low cross was bundled home by St Ledger at the far post and four minutes later his corner was headed home by Karl Hawley.

The pressure continued with Joe Anyinsah hitting the crossbar before Mellor made it 3-0 with a neat finish from a right wing cross.

The Shrimps finally found their way in the second half with Matty Blinkhorn making a welcome return after a groin injury and Stewart Drummond also making a good contribution.

As the game wore on, North End came close to extending their lead but Roche made two stunning double saves to deny Chris Brown.

* TRIALIST Chris Turner looks set to be out of action for at least three weeks after picking up a hamstring injury.

The former Bohemians midfielder pulled up in the first half and had to be substituted.

MORECAMBE: Roche, McCann, Howard, Bentley. McStay (Artell 46); Stanley (Blinkhorn 46), Turner (Hunter 39), Carr (Drummond 46) Wainwright. O'Carroll, Curtis. Sub not used: Davies.