Michael Ricketts got on the scoresheet from midfield in his bid for a place in the first team starting line up. He played alongside Adam Nowland who has now been away from first team duties for over a year but still looks steady.
Dichio put in a good shift but Andy Smith managed to get a goal after a tireless performance. Simpson now looks like he is spoilt for choice for strikers for this Saturday's Cup clash.
A trialist did start at centre back for North End but his identity was hidden on the team sheet and he was not recognisable to many onlookers.
Young Ben Hinchcliffe started in goal and is expected to be on the bench this Saturday as Nash is out with a hamstring injury. Jason Jarrett also suffered a groin strain in the warm up.