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West Bromwich Albion missed two penalties as Roberto Di Matteo started his reign as manager with a 1-0 defeat at Histon.

Debutant Simon Cox (pictured) and Luke Moore both saw their spot kicks saved by Danny Naisbitt on a frustrating afternoon for the Baggies.

Jamie Barker earned Histon the win with a 64th-minute strike moments after he had hit a post.

Newcastle United started their pre-season campaign with a comfortable 3-0 triumph at Shamrock Rovers.

Steven Taylor opened the scoring from close range in the 57th minute following a goalless first half, before Shola Ameobi made it 2-0 in the 87th minute after good work inside the penalty area.

And it was left for Nile Ranger to round off the victory with his first senior strike from 25 yards in the closing stages.

New arrival Onome Sodje netted the winning goal as Barnsley secured a dramatic 3-2 pre-season triumph over Ferencvaros at Oakwell.

Ex-Tykes man Istvan Ferenczi lined up for the Hungarian visitors but it was the Championship side who took the lead through Daniel Bogdanovic just a minute before the break.

Substitute Kayode Odejayi put Barnsley back in front in the 72nd minute after the away side levelled, and Sodje`s powerful header made it 3-1 with eight minutes remaining.

Yet Paul Shaw set up a nervy finish when he tapped home in the closing stages.

Preston North End kicked off their pre-season preparations in style with a thumping 11-0 triumph over Austrian hosts Hallein.

North End were 4-0 to the good at the break against their part-time opposition before rattling in another seven after the restart to cap an impressive end to their European training camp.

Chris Brown grabbed a hat-trick while Danny Mayor and Jon Parkin both claimed braces.

Neil Mellor, Barry Nicholson, Neal Trotman and Karl Hawley also got in on the act in a game in which manager Alan Irvine opted to run the rule over almost two different teams.

An experienced Leicester City side ran out 3-1 winners against local side Loughborough Dynamos.

Young striker Billy Kee stole the show and opened the scoring before winning a penalty that was converted by Paul Dickov.

Loughborough pulled a goal back only for Nicky Adams to complete the win for Nigel Pearson's men.

Forgotten man Jonathan Forte scored twice as Scunthorpe United kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win at Bottesford.

The striker was loaned out to Notts County last season as the Iron marched to promotion but marked his return to the club with a well-taken brace.

He opened the scoring in the first minute and netted again moments before half-time, before Bottesford grabbed a consolation goal late in the encounter.

Ian Holloway enjoyed a winning start to life as Blackpool manager as they won 4-0 at Burscough.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher scored twice before the break while Brett Ormerod and Danny Nardiello were on target in the second half.

It was Hollway's first game in charge since replacing Tony Parkes at the helm of the Seasiders.

Coventry City were held to a 1-1 draw in their opening pre-season friendly at Wrexham.

The Welsh outfit took the lead in the 25th minute courtesy of Marc Williams` close-range effort, only for Jermaine Grandison to level matters with a second-half header.

Chris Coleman named a Sky Blues outfit with a mix of youth and experience at the Racecourse Ground, while also handing James McPake the responsibility of captaining the side in the absence of Scott Dann.

Watford opened their pre-season account with a 4-1 win over Borehamwood.

Malky Mackay named a strong Hornets outfit for the traditional encounter, while also utilising his squad, and it paid dividends at Meadow Park.

Debutant Danny Graham grabbed a brace while Michael Bryan and Jon Harley also got in on the act.

QPR kicked off their pre-season preparations with a 4-0 victory at Aldershot.

A strong R`s side proved too much for their League Two opponents and two goals either side of the break proved to be the difference.

Akos Buzsaky, Heidar Helguson, Patrick Agyemang and Dexter Blackstock all got in on the act to spoil Shots boss Gary Waddock`s afternoon against his former employers and ensure Jim Magilton`s rein get off to a flying start.

Derby opened their pre-season account with a 1-0 win at League Two newcomers Burton.

Nigel Clough took his Rams side back to old club and watched Chris Porter grabbed the only goal of the game in the 19th minute, heading home Patrick Kisnorbo`s goalbound effort from Dean Moxey`s corner.

Clough fielded a completely changed XI in each half, with the exception of trialists Kisnorbo and Mark Fotheringham who played the entire 90 minutes.

PA Sport