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Sunday's match for Liverpool was always going to be more about the emotional events off the pitch than the action on it. However, Deepdale served as a platform for both the potential future stars and possible transfer revenue for the Reds.
With several senior players understandably absent, either due to emotional reasons or fitness concerns following a disrupted pre-season, the stage was set for a host of youngsters to seize their chance.
All except Luca Stephenson, who spent the previous season as a regular in the first team on loan at Scottish Premiership side Dundee United, had prior competitive first-team experience with Liverpool.
The standouts were among the starting line-up, with Rio Ngumoha stealing the show. In addition to contributing to the opening goal, the winger - who doesn't celebrate his 17th birthday until next month - dazzled with his speed, ball control, dribbling skills and, most crucially, his decision-making.
Both he and 18 year old Trey Nyoni, who was solid in midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch, seem to have physically matured this year. Given that the pair have been regularly training with the first team, it's likely they'll remain at Kirkby for the foreseeable future rather than being sent out on loan.
Stephenson showcased his adaptability by confidently filling in at center-back alongside Joe Gomez, and the 21-year-old has clearly reaped the rewards of regular first-team action in Scotland. The midfielder has a year left on his Anfield contract, with Dundee United previously showing interest in securing him on a permanent basis.
Ben Doak was the standout youngster on show and one of three who featured in the second half. Doak, just 19 and the provider of Liverpool's third goal at Preston for Cody Gakpo, had an impressive loan spell at Championship side Middlesbrough last season cut short due to injury. He attracted unsuccessful bids from Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town in January.
A permanent departure seems likely given the player's hunger for regular game time. Nottingham Forest are the latest among several Premier League and overseas clubs to express interest, with Liverpool expected to command a minimum fee of $33 million (£25m) for the Scotland international.
Lewis Koumas spent the previous season at Stoke City and is already attracting attention from numerous Championship clubs, with another loan move on the cards. However, it appears that the progress of Amara Nallo would be best served with the under-21s for now.
Then there are the more established youngsters who weren't involved. Following an injury-riddled previous season that thwarted a loan move to Sunderland in the New Year, Jayden Danns was spotted in first-team training on Tuesday, hinting at a potential temporary transfer.
James McConnell is back in action after his previous season was cut short by injury. A loan move, possibly to a Championship or lower Premier League club, could be beneficial for him. In fact, Liverpool might even consider a permanent offer.
Decisions are also pending on left-backs Luke Chambers and Owen Beck, as well as winger Kaide Gordon, who had varying experiences on loan last season. Another left-sided defender, Calum Scanlon, is still recuperating from a hamstring injury.
With no international tournaments this summer and a full senior squad ready for the upcoming tour to the Far East, only a select few Academy players will accompany the first team.
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