Preston began their Pre Season with a home fixture against Premiership opposition in the form of Nottingham Forest.
The game was played over 3 x 30 minute periods with the visitors eventually winning by 9 goals to Nil. During the first period of play North End started brightly and managed to restrict their opponents somewhat conceding the second goal of the game as the referee indicated the end of play. Manager Stammers then used the opportunity to trial newcomers and players in different positions and felt that despite the defeat the workout against a team playing at a higher level had proved beneficial.
The Umbro tournament provided the next test with both the 1st and Reserve teams entered. The 1st team beat fellow Northern Division opposition Liverpool 1-0, drew 0-0 with both Manchester City and Curzon Ashton with the last game against Glasgow City resulting in a 2-0 defeat. This gave the Lilywhites a mid table finish which would normally have warranted progression to the plate competition but due to the inclement weather the organisers called a halt to any further proceedings.
The reserves fielding a number of younger players put in a creditable performance obtaining a 0-0 draw against Swansea followed by defeats against Liverpool Feds, Manchester City Reserves and Stockport.
The Preston Sports Arena tournament again afforded both teams the opportunity of competitive football. The 1st team in the group stages drew Boothstour Ladies, Crewe, Blackburn Rovers Reserves and Barsnley with the Reserves being allocated Tranmere, South Durham, Salford and Nottingham Forest 1st team.
The 1st teams opening fixture was against Blackburn Rovers Reserves and despite Hannah Bailey giving North End the lead Rovers equalised to share the points. Crewe then obtained a 0-0 draw, with the Lilywhites then beating Manchester based Boothstour 3-0 with goals courtesy of Gemma Watson, Bailey and Linny Craig. The final group game saw a 2-0 victory against Barnsley which guaranteed them second place in the group behind Rovers. Entry into the Shield competition followed with a victory against Crewe in the quarter final. In the Semi final local rivals Blackpool forced penalties and were victorious with their keeper saving 3 of the spot kicks.
The Reserves also progressed to the Shield competition beating Wigan in the quarter final and Nottingham Forest Reserves in the Semi to set up a final tie against the Seasiders. The Reserves thanks to goals from Nicki Wilcox and Rachel Nolan were worthy recipients of the silverware.
