Preston 0-3 Everton: The Sunday Mirror match report

Jermaine Beckford faces a race to be fit for the start of the season after limping off in Everton’s win at Preston.

The 26-year-old striker, a free transfer from Leeds, had made the perfect start to his Everton career by coming off the bench to ­scoring twice in the second half, with Louis Saha adding the other.

Although Beckford made his debut for the Toffees in their recent tour of ­Australia, this was his first run-out for his club in this country.

But his day turned sour when he walked off the pitch towards the end and left Everton boss David Moyes sweating over his fitness.

Moyes said: “He got a kick on the top of his foot when he went to shoot and I don’t think it is too bad, but we will have to assess it.”

Beckford, who scored 85 goals in 150 appearances for Leeds after being plucked from non-league Wealdstone, sealed a four-year contract at Goodison Park in May – and Moyes hopes his to form yesterday was a sign that he can carry on his goalscoring at the highest level.

Moyes said: “I am pleased for Jermaine because when you are a centre forward, especially a new one at a club, you want to get goals.

“That is what he does best. We know he can score in the other divisions so he will get the opportunity to see if he can step up and do it in the Premier League.”

Beckford put Everton ahead with an assured finish after latching on to a long ball 11 minutes into the second half.

Saha fired home in the 67th minute and Beckford wrapped things up three minutes later with a volley at the far post, but then was forced to go off.

Victor Anichebe and Leon Osman both missed the Deepdale clash after picking up knocks in training earlier this week.

But James Vaughan, who started just one match for the club last season, took a step closer to match fitness with an appearance as a sub.

The youngster has been clocking up the miles by linking up with the youngsters in Scotland in a bid to regain match fitness and scored in their game on Friday night.

Everton’s Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini will be back in training on Tuesday after being sidelined for six months with ankle ligament damage received in the Merseyside derby.

Moyes said: “He should be able to start a match in three weeks or so.”