It was the first real test for Preston after they had faced non-league opposition for the most part in the pre-season build up so far. Alex Neil admitted after the game that Southampton were better in almost every department.
There will be things to learn from Saturday's game. Preston still have some serious concerns in the goalkeeping department which has rumbled on for a number of season now. A keeper error allowed Southampton an easy goal.
The game was a stark reality and shows the gap which Preston have to bridge if they want to move upwards out of the Championship. Whilst North End have quality it is clear that they are sonme distance away from being a Premier League side.
There were some positives. Bodin started and scored a solo effort cutting in from the right. It seems as if he has picked up where he left off last season and could be an asset for Preston this season out wide with Robinson moving on.
North End will not be competing against a quality side like Southampton every week but they have to be tougher to have any chance of moving up the table.
For the record Ings scored two before Voskins added a late third. Bodin scored Preston's only goal in the first half to equalise but that was as close as Preston got to the Saints.