Andy Bayes
BBC Radio Lancashire commentator

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John McAtee started seven times for Bolton in League One last season.

He's been excellent today.

Thierry Gale crashes a shot into the top stands after Preston lose possession in their final third.

Not for the first time, North End can exhale.

We've seen more of Alfie Devine in the opening six minutes of this second half than we did in the entirety of the first, or at least it feels that way.

He gets his right foot on the ball but his volley goes awry and off target.

Better signs for North End all the same.

Preston's free-kick is over-worked and they can't get the shot off but with so many red shirts up field, Bolton spot a chance to counter.

A ball is sent up to John McAtee and he thrashes at goal but it's sent wide. A nice try, though.

The yellow card is brought out but not for a Preston player for a change.

Alfie Devine begins his move forward and is tripped up by Josh Sheehan to win a free kick.

Can Preston do anything to stop Bolton's runaway train?

They were rattled in the first half but trail by only two goals. A comeback can be done.

Let's see, shall we? The game is back up and running.

Paul Gallagher
Former Preston midfielder on BBC Radio Lancashire

It wouldn't surprise me if Paul Heckingbottom makes changes and their shape.

Bolton just look hungry on the front foot.

Preston have been too far off the pace and Paul Heckingbottom will not be happy.

They can't be that bad in the second half. They have to play with more energy and belief.

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Bolton haven't won against Preston since the 2001 Division One play-off final but they look good to break that spell today at the break.

Four shots of eight on target from the Trotters, with Sam Dalby and Thierry Gale's both finding the back of the net.

Preston, meanwhile, are offering up nothing.

For those who were writing off Bolton this season, they have something to say.

Just one minute until half time after Bolton cut out a threatening pass to Preston front man Milutin Osmajic.

Andy Bayes
BBC Radio Lancashire commentator

I'm just thinking if Paul Heckingbottom is thinking about introducing Leo Leroy at half-time for Preston?

Another yellow card for Preston. Might start getting precarious soon.

This one belongs to Pol Valentin, who is finding Thierry Gale a real challenge this afternoon and has now gifted the Bolton man more leeway.

Preston put together a clever set play but it doesn't pay off as Andrew Hughes' header is blocked and the ball is back up the other end.

Thierry Gale tears it up on the left, sliding the ball to John McAtee whose attempt from just outside the box flies too high.

Preston finally have their first real chance as Middlesbrough loanee Delano Burgzorg runs into the box to let off a shot.

Bolton defender Chris Forino times his move perfectly though to stick out his leg and deflect it out for a corner.

Great move from the Bolton man.

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Bolton threaten again and could be 3-0 up.

Sam Dalby heads the ball into the net after it's worked around by his team-mates but a push from John McAtee in the build-up means the goal won't stand.

A huge relief for Preston North End. They are being steam-rolled here.

Paul Gallagher
Former Preston midfielder on BBC Radio Lancashire

The Bolton players look hungry.

They're on the front foot and they're aggressive.

More threat from goal scorer Thierry Gale incoming.

He loops in a lovely ball right in front of goal but it doesn't meet Sam Dalby.

Paul Gallagher
Former Preston midfielder on BBC Radio Lancashire

The set up looks so wrong from Preston on the transition.

Gale's making runs, McAtee's making runs.

They've got to calm down, be patient and try and get back into this game in this half.

It's too easy for Bolton to get through with one simple pass.

Preston are starting to get frustrated now.

Jordan Thompson picks up a needless caution for kicking out at Bolton's John McAtee.

The visitors haven't been able to get a foothold into this match so far and they could be on for some humiliation to start their season, against local rivals at that.

Paul Gallagher
Former Preston midfielder on BBC Radio Lancashire

The organisation...

As a captain Ali McCann has got to organise.

You can't stand off a player of John McAtee's quality.

This is where you're looking at your leaders now in terms of McCann, Andrew Hughes and Liam Lindsay.