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ASTON VILLA LFC v PRESTON NORTH END WFC

SUNDAY 25^TH NOVEMBER, 2007 
 

PNEWFC travelled to Sutton Coldfield for the away fixture v Aston Villa hoping to complete the double over a side that were convincingly beaten 5-2 on the home fixture back in September.

Both sides started brightly with Villa testing the Preston defence with early crosses which were comfortably dealt with by the Preston defence.

A good interaction in the 5^th minute down the left wing between Cafferkey and Bailey resulted in a shot from McCrae which was well saved by the Villa keeper.

Both teams continued to press for the opening goal with Preston’s captain Berry being involved in most of Preston’s attacking moves.

In the 38^th minute the Villa keeper launched the ball downfield, the Preston defence were caught flat footed and Villa’s no9 (Carly Davies) raced through lobbing the advancing Preston keeper,  the ball landing in the bottom right hand corner.  1-0 to the Villa.

Preston went on the attack looking for an equaliser and on 45^th minute PNE striker Dransfield turned and half volleyed a cross which the Villa keeper managed to palm up into the air but which was then cleared by the Villa defence.

HT 1-0.

Preston came out for the 2^nd half in determined mood with Bailey just shooting wide.

On 55 minutes Villa broke down the left and the resulting cross was well defended by Willoughby who headed the ball away for a corner.  Unfortunately the Preston defence had a lapse in concentration and when the corner came in it was met by an unmarked Villa player who headed it into the back of the net, 2-0 to the Villa.

Manager Simon Gerrard then decided to change things around and introduced 3 substitutes. 

The Villa defence was then peppered with wave after wave of Preston attacks which paid off in the 60^th minute when McCrae got the ball on the left wing, beat 2 players before unleashing a vicious shot which squirmed under the keeper’s body at the left hand post.

Preston’s tails were now up and people were thinking of the previous week’s comeback against Lincoln City LFC, could they possibly come back and win?  Preston continued to pressurise the Villa defence, with the keeper making some outstanding saves and Preston hitting the crossing bar from a header.  On the 88^th minute Villa played a through ball to their advancing striker who was hacked down by Preston defender Willoughby.  The referee who up to then had ruined the game for both sides with his bizarre comments and decisions then decided to award a penalty even though the offence had clearly been committed OUTSIDE the penalty area.  Luckily for Preston the resulting penalty was blasted over the bar but unluckily for Preston the final whistle blew straight after.  Final score Aston Villa LFC 2  PNEWFC 1.

This was Prestons first away defeat of the season after winning all of their previous encounters. 
 

PNEWFC play Curzon Ashton from the North West Combination League in the WFA Cup 3^rd round at Irongate, Bamber Bridge on Sunday 2^nd December. 
 

Wendy Skerritt

Preston North End V Manchester City 
 
 
 

Preston Sports Arena was the venue for the Lancashire Cup encounter between these two Northern Premier League teams. Having faced each other twice already in the league with a victory a piece an even affair was anticipated.

The first 25 minutes produced just that with both teams having equal possession and opportunities. The deadlock was broken in the 28^th minute when Sarah McCrea won a penalty for the home side, Mel Martin converting despite the City keeper getting a touch on the ball. City immediately searched for an equaliser with the North End crossbar preventing them from obtaining. Keeper for the Whites Emma Reader also maintained her sides lead in the 42^nd minute pushing a City shot onto the post. Just before the interval North End increased their lead, Captain Sarah Berry took a quick free kick passing to Sam Cadwallader who played the ball through to Fiona Dransfield who finished placing the ball past the keeper into the bottom left hand corner. 
 

After the interval it was City who were first to find the back of the net. In the 10^th minute of the half a City corner came in with the referee blowing his whistle and awarding a penalty for an alleged push in the box. With the penalty converted City had a lifeline and for a spell looked like they could get back on equal terms. It was North End however who extended their lead further through Sarah McCrea in the 63^rd minute. 4-1 was soon the score when Sam Cadwallader was again the provider of the pass which allowed Fiona Dransfield to produce her second of the game. The score was to remain at 4-1 despite North End having further opportunities. Substitute Hannah Bailey produced two excellent shots one following good build up play by the team and the second through Cadwallader unselfishly squaring the ball but   both were well saved by the City keeper. 
 

Following this victory against a talented City side North End now await the draw for the third round. Next week they return to league action with an away fixture against Aston Villa.

PNE WFC vs Lincoln City LFC 
 

With both teams in the top 3 of the Northern Premier league prior to kick off, a close encounter was anticipated.  Preston gained the upper hand as early as the 2^nd minute when an Alison Taberner short corner was played to Gemma Watson who powered the ball across the 6yd box. The cross was turned into her own net by the helpless Lincoln defender. 
 

Lincoln then had a couple of opportunities to equalise with a header wide and a free kick, going over the crossbar.  A minute later, in the 8^th minute of the game, the same player made no mistake latching onto a defence splitting pass to place the ball in the bottom right hand corner to level the scores.  On 15 minutes, Lincoln gained the lead as a left wing cross was headed home at the back post.  An opportunity fell on 23 minutes for them to extend the lead further but fortunately the post saved North End, the ball then falling to a defender to clear to safety. 
 

On the half hour mark, excellent goalkeeping by the Lincoln keeper prevented Gemma Watson from equalising for the Whites.  Her fellow striker Hannah Bailey then produced a shot on target, which was smothered by the keeper.  Bailey, in the 40^th minute, then saw her goal bound shot hit a defender, who bravely prevented the ball from crossing the line.  On the stroke of half time, Lincoln were on the attack again with midfielder Emma Sconce covering well and clearing to safety. 
 

Early into the second half, Preston manager Gerrard made a double substitution with Sarah McCrea and Mel Martin taking to the field.  This produced some opportunities but not the desired equaliser.  On 65 minutes he made his final sub with Sam Cadwallader replacing Louise Cafferkey.  A pass to Cadwallader by McCrea saw her beat the offside trap but the Lincoln keeper produced an excellent save to maintain her side’s lead.  She also saved from Watson in the 78^th minute, but could do nothing to stop the equaliser, a shot by McCrea, with 10 minutes of the game remaining.  With the scores level both sides pushed for a winner and with 5 minutes remaining North End produced.  Gemma Watson skilfully retained the ball to cross for Cadwallader to finish and give the home side their deserved lead. 
 

A tense final 5 minutes followed with a dubious free kick awarded to Lincoln being headed wide.  North End however held on to return to winning ways on home soil and justifiably claimed all three points after a determined fight back. 
 

A home Lancashire Cup Tie takes place at Preston Sports Arena this Sunday against Manchester City. KO 1.30pm 

PNE WFC V SUNDERLAND LFC 
 
 

Sunderland were again visitors to Irongate, Bamber Bridge, this time in a league encounter. The North East side had been winners in the previous meeting in the League Cup by 4 goals to 3 so a close match was anticipated. 
 

North End started brightly with Angela Willoughby having an early strike and Sarah McCrea forcing the keeper into punching her corner clear. Emma Sconce then had a definite penalty claim turned down, much to the dismay of the Preston staff and supporters. Sunderland then came into the game and on two occasions their number 10 saw the balls she headed towards goal go over the bar. The whites then had further opportunities to open the scoring, Gemma Watson, Louise Cafferkey and Hannah Bailey seeing their efforts going over. On 38 minutes the deadlock was broken, the Sunderland keeper came off her line to intercept a through ball and her clearance fell into the path of McCrea on the left wing to expertly lift over and into the back of the net. The home side maintained their 1-0 advantage going into the interval after what had been a fairly even first period. 
 

Sunderland had the first opportunity of the second half, the ball finally being cleared by Bateman and keeper Horrocks after a goal mouth scramble. Eleven minutes into the half a Sunderland shot from outside the box was well saved by Horrocks.

North End were then awarded a free kick when Gemma Watson was fouled but Bateman saw her effort go over the bar. A 61st minute free kick awarded at the other end some 25 yards out, Preston's keeper seemed unsighted by the bright sun and the ball found its way into the back of the net to level the score at 1-1. 
 

Both teams then made substitutions with Taberner replacing Cafferkey for the Whites. In the 70^th minute Horrocks was alert to deny the Sunderland number 10 but a minute later she could do nothing to stop the harsh penalty awarded to the Black Cats, which was well finished by their number 16.  
 

Preston then pushed for an equaliser with McCrea and Watson coming close. Manager Gerrard made further substitutions bringing on Mel Martin and Sam Cadwallader in search of a share of the points. Cadwallader’s first touch was a shot on target and  with 3 minutes remaining she forced the visiting keeper into making a save but the final whistle blew without Preston finding the goal they sought and the visitors returned to the North East once again victorious. 
 

Preston have no fixture next week so their next fixture will be at Home on the 11^th of November against Lincoln City.

PNE WFC V Tranmere LFC 
 
 
 

Preston returned to league action this week with an away fixture against Tranmere. From previous meetings the Whites knew that the physical presence and strength of the home side would provide a competitive encounter. 
 

Both teams had early opportunities, for North End Hannah Bailey and Sarah Berry going close. A shot on target from Louise Cafferkey on 15 minutes resulted in the action immediately switching to the other end where a poor defensive clearance allowed Tranmere to take a 1-0 lead.  Preston’s strikeforce of Gemma Watson and Bailey then forced the home keeper into conceding corners with their efforts and Bailey did find the back of the net only for it to be rightly adjudged offside. Further efforts from the Preston duo again were pushed beyond the post by the home keeper.  The Whites keeper Jenny Horrocks remained alert to intercept when the ball over the top eluded the Preston defence. Despite the numerous chances for the visitors the home team went into the interval with their 1-0 lead in tact. 
 

An injury to North End captain Sarah Berry on the stroke of half time forced manager Simon Gerrard into making changes for the second period. Alison Taberner was her replacement with a reshuffle of defence/midfield necessary. Tranmere also lost their captain through injury a couple of minutes after the restart. Only 5 minutes in the Tranmere lead was extended to 2-0 after the Whites failed to close down a shot from distance which ended up in the back of the net.  Anisha Bateman for North End then saw her free kick go just over the bar before the home side took a 3-0 lead, their player coolly finishing when 1 on 1 with the keeper. 
 

The deficit was reduced to 3-1 when Hannah Bailey converted a penalty awarded for handball. The lifeline gave Preston confidence and Bailey played a ball from the right across the box for Watson to finish. 3-2. In an attempt to find an equaliser and obtain a share of the points Gerrard made a double substitution with Mel Martin and Fiona Dransfield taking to the field. Bailey produced her second to level the scores in the 75^th minute beating the defender and putting past the keeper. She then went on to produce what was to be her hat trick and the winning goal when latching on to a through ball from Anisha Bateman. 
 

With Tranmere shooting wide in the final seconds the referee blew his whistle to complete a dramatic comeback by the visitors with the 3 points obtained ensuring that they remain in third position maintaining the pressure on those above.

PNEWFC V SUNDERLAND

FA Premier League Cup 2^nd Round 
 

Preston went into this league cup-tie with confidence following a fine midweek victory in the league over Manchester City. Two goals apiece from Sarah McCrea and Hannah Bailey had given the Whites a deserved 4-0 win. 
 

The cup encounter against fellow Northern Division side Sunderland proved to be a game of two halves. Preston got off to a fine start and were 1-0 up after only two minutes, Sarah McCrea finishing after the Sunderland defence failed to clear a corner effectively. North End’s defence were then themselves guilty of a poor clearance but fortunately the crossbar prevented the visitors from equalising. In the 13^th minute Sarah McCrea’s shot on target was spilled by the keeper but nobody in the Preston forward line was on hand to follow up. Striker for the Whites Fiona Dransfield then forced an excellent save from the Black Cats keeper. The keeper then proved her worth again saving a penalty from Sarah McCrea awarded as a result of a Sunderland player stopping the ball from crossing the line with her arm, an offence she received a yellow card for. The score remained at 1-0 at the half time interval despite North End having further chances to extend the lead in a game that they had in the main dominated. 
 

In the 1^st minute of the second half North End keeper Jenny Horrocks was called into action tipping over the bar following a defensive error. The action switched immediately to the other end and good link up play between strikers Sam Cadwallader and Dransfield made the score 2-0. 
 

Sunderland were not however disheartened and pulled a goal back when a back pass to the North End keeper allowed their striker to finish and reduce the deficit to 2-1. North end then had other opportunities Vicky Eastwood heading over the bar and Sam Cadwallader finding the back of the net only for it to be rightly ruled offside. 
 

The Sunderland equaliser came on 57 minutes the wide left player going past the full back and playing a ball across the box for the incoming player to finish. At the other end only brave goalkeeping by Sunderland prevented Cadwallader from finishing a one on one. 
 

Fifteen minutes into the second half North End manager Gerrard altered his midfield replacing Angela Willoughby with Louise Cafferkey. This did not prevent Sunderland taking the lead when their striker was not closed down resulting in the ball finding the back of the net. An equaliser came with Sarah McCrea getting her second of the game beating the offside trap to then produce a cool finish. 
 
 

Just before the 70^th minute Sunderland made a substitution and in an attempt to win the game Gerrard replaced his strike partnership of Cadwallader and Dransfield with Gemma Watson and Hannah Bailey. The decisive goal in Sunderland’s favour came however in the 81^st minute, a mix up between keeper and centre half allowing them to score, full back Bateman’s attempted clearance of the shot was in vain as it was judged that the ball had already crossed the line. Further chances fell to the visitors, in the 83^rd minute North End keeper Horrocks pushed a shot wide and a minute later the underside of the crossbar prevented a further increase. 
 

A 4-3 victory to the North East on a day when North End were left to rue missed chances and where mistakes cost them dearly.     
 
 

Courtesy of Julie Jones

Preston North End WFC V Sheffield Wednesday LFC 
 

After last weeks win in the cup Preston's attention was this week drawn back to the league, with Sheffield Wednesday making the trip to Iron Gate.

Preston started well with some early attacking play, which forced Sheffield into some, scrambled defending. Preston took the lead in the 10^th minute with Gemma Watson firing the ball into the back of the net after some neat passing play between Alison Taberner and Hannah Bailey.

Preston had a further effort just minutes later with Bailey firing just over the bar. Sheffield then began to settle and came more into the game and a period of heavy pressure from the away side resulted in a deflected equalising goal in the 17^th minute. 
 

The two sides then exchanged possession at regular intervals and neither was able to gain the upper hand, that was until the 31^st minute when the Sheffield forward beat a Preston defender in the box and was allowed to fire unchallenged into the bottom corner of the Preston goal. A couple of half chances to Preston were to follow but the score remained 2-1 to Sheffield at the break. 
 

Strong words at half time lead to Preston beginning the second half well with more endeavour evident throughout, this resulted in some wicked crosses into dangerous areas. Unfortunately none of these were converted, and Preston then seemed to get frustrated. Passes began to go astray, as Sheffield tenaciously chased and closed every pass. Defensive errors and unnecessarily conceded free kicks allowed Sheffield more chances and Preston Keeper Jenny Horrocks did well to keep the score at 2-1.

Eventually the Sheffield pressure told and after half clearing a corner the ball fell to the Sheffield No 9 who thumped a shot from 30yds that hit the underside of the bar and dropped beyond the line to give Sheffield a 3-1 lead.

Preston did have a couple of half chances to make up the deficit but the Sheffield keeper was on form and was untroubled by any of the efforts Preston created.

3-1 was to be the final score after this somewhat disappointing home performance. 
 

Preston don’t have long to wait to put this display behind them, travelling to Flixton FC the home ground of Manchester City LFC this Wednesday the 10^th of October 7.30ko. 

Preston North End WFC v Fulham LFC 
 

Preston entertained Fulham in this 1^st Rnd league cup-tie. Preston took the opportunity to shuffle their team and Alison Taberner, Sarah Jones and Jenny Horrocks were all given starts after kicking their heels as subs for the last few weeks.

Preston started brightly earning a corner in the opening minute which was cleared well by the Fulham defence. The Fulham keeper produced a great diving save from a driven Taberner shot after 6minutes and Preston certainly seemed well on top.

Taberner again had a shooting attempt only for the ball to drift wide of the Fulham upright just minutes later.

Vikki Eastwood and Sarah McCrea combined well down the Preston left on 20mins with Eastwood producing a fine cross that was met by a Emma Sconce shot which again drifted just wide of the post.

Prestons persistence eventually paid off and a Taberner cross was fumbled by the Fulham keeper after pressure from striker Hannah Bailey, she was able to collect the loose ball and slot it into the back of the net to put the home side 1-0 up.

Preston had further efforts on goal in the 28^th, 34th and 37^th minutes but none lead to an increase in the score line.

Fulham created just a couple of chances during the 1^st half the best handed to them in the 42^nd minute after Prestons defence lost the ball allowing the Fulham striker a snap shot on goal which Horrocks saved well. 
 

There was a frantic start to the 2^nd half with Fulham determined to have a say in the game, their shot in the 50^th minute flew over the bar and a free kick awarded on the edge of the box was met with a powerful header which edged just wide of the Preston Post.

Emma Sconce had another shot on goal in the 75^th minute that the Fulham keeper held well. Both sides created other half chances but none were to trouble either keeper, until a corner in the 88^th minute, this was initially cleared by Preston but the ball eventually found its way via a cross into Prestons penalty area to be met by a free header by the oncoming Fulham player making the score 1-1 at the end of normal time.

This game had to be decided on the day so extra time was to be followed by penalties if necessary. An early free kick inside the Fulham area after the keeper handled a back pass looked to have given Preston a fine goal scoring chance, the 1^st effort had to be retaken after encroachment from the Fulham wall the 2^nd was driven high over the bar.

Soon after Preston did re-take the lead, breaking up a Fulham attack and countering with pace down the right before the ball was passed to Sub Fiona Dransfield who beat the oncoming keeper and managed to slot the ball home from an acute angle.

Fulham pressed to again try and equalise but the Preston Women’s fitness told in the end and they were able to repel any threats.

Preston deserved the 2-1 win and look forward to another home draw against Sunderland in the next round. 
 

Preston are again at home this week with Sheffield Wednesday the visitors to Iron Gate with a 2pm KO.

Preston North End WFC V Stockport County LFC 
 

Preston began this game strongly maintaining the lion’s share of the possession throughout the half.

A Preston corner just 5 minutes into the game lead to a punched clearance from the Stockport Keeper which Preston's Sarah McCrea managed to latch onto but her shot flew wide of the upright.

McCrea had another shot 5minutes later, which was easily collected by the keeper.

Louise Cafferkey had Preston’s next chance but only managed to shoot directly into the keeper’s arms.

Hannah Bailey then looked to increase her goal tally for the season but her attempted chip did not have enough elevation.

After Preston’s major domination during the opening 30minutes a goal from Stockport came completely against the run of play. A ball won out on Stockport’s left wing was superbly crossed and met with a glancing header that dropped just inside the post of Preston’s goal.

Preston had two further chances before the half time break but neither threatened the Stockport goal. 
 

A frenetic opening few minutes of the 2^nd half saw Preston again threaten the Stockport defence but none of Preston’s efforts had the venom to trouble the Stockport keeper.

Indeed it was Preston’s keeper Emma Reader that had to push a strong effort onto a post in the 65^th minute.

Gemma Watson had Preston’s next chance but she was unable to find the back of the net, Preston’s closest effort of the game came after the award of a free kick 25yds out which dead ball specialist Louise Cafferkey managed to get up and over the wall only to have the Stockport keeper make a finger tip save.

A multitude of corners and crosses late in the game were not to find the heads or feet of Preston players, and the home side had to suffer the 1-0 defeat, despite dominating for the majority of the game. 
 

Preston are at Home in the 1stRound of the Premier League cup against Fulham this Sunday 2pm KO.

PNE WFC V ASTON VILLA LFC 
 

After the disappointment of the 2-1 defeat at the hands of local rivals Manchester City in mid-week, Preston’s women were looking to return to winning ways on Sunday. 
 

They could not have had a better start with a goal by Sarah McCrea after just 30 seconds, after a positive attacking start to the game.

The second soon followed with Gemma Watson slotting home a fine individual goal.

Preston were completely on top with every attack looking likely to end with the ball in the back of the net.

Roving left winger Louise Cafferkey calmly finished her chance after charging into the box to meet a right wing cross, to make the score 3-0 after just 15 minutes.

Hannah Bailey added the fourth in the 23^rd minute and Sarah McCrea got her 2^nd and Preston’s 5^th with a stunning free kick just before half time.

Villa were unable to make any impression on the Preston goal during the 1^st half with the home team playing some excellent flowing football. 
 

A revival by a stoical Villa side was to be expected in the 2^nd half and they didn’t disappoint. A goal just minutes after the restart definitely caused Villa to raise their game further and with 3 players now pushed forwards and a more direct style of play more chances were to follow. Preston’s keeper Emma Reader was called into action to clear a couple of corners pumped into the box after Villa took the game to the home side.

A free kick awarded after a sloppy challenge gave Villa a chance of a second goal, the pile driver shot came back off a post but fell invitingly to a Villa player, despite strong appeals for handball by the oncoming player the resulting goal was awarded to make the score 5-2.

Preston then managed to regain control of the game after Manager Simon Gerrard came down from the stand to make some tactical and personnel changes.

The result was well deserved even after Villa’s mini revival. 
 

Preston play Stockport County at Irongate this Sunday 23^rd September with a 2.30pm KO. 
 

Preston's Reserves won their game at Manchester City 1-0 courtesy of a last minute penalty.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY WFC V PRESTON NORTH END WFC. 
 

Preston travelled to Maltby Main FC, the home of Sheffield Wednesday in search of a further 3 points to maintain their 100% record in the 2007/8 campaign. 
 

Manager Simon Gerrard couldn’t have asked for a better start when striker Gemma Watson chipped the oncoming Wednesday keeper and coolly slotted home with only 4 minutes on the clock. A chance to extend the lead fell to Hannah Bailey who after working hard to beat the defender saw her shot hit the side netting. 
 

On 23 minutes Preston were awarded a free kick on the right hand side of the box. The Sheffield keeper was only able to parry the kick taken by Louise Cafferkey into her own net which gave North End a deserved 2-0 lead. Further chances fell to Bailey and Cafferkey before the half time interval but the score remained at 2-0, not a true reflection of the dominance by the visiting team. 
 

North End started the 2^nd half in a similar fashion a chance put wide by Bailey and in the 55^th minute Gemma Watson forcing the keeper to save. Wednesday then had a couple of shots which fortunately for Preston were put wide. Keeper Emma Reader then showed her alertness when a through ball split her defence but her prompt arrival from the line forced the Sheffield striker to again put wide.

In an attempt to force a third goal to seal the game North End introduced Sarah McCrea on 65 minutes who had an almost immediate impact. An excellent cross by her from the right was played across the box but luckily for the Sheffield defence nobody was able to meet it. A further substitution saw Fiona Dransfied introduced in the 70^th minute but an early tackle saw her having to leave the field of play to be replaced by Alison Taberner. 
 

The last 20 minutes saw limited opportunities for both teams and North End took all three points which takes them to the top of the league, a position they hope to hold onto when facing Manchester City in a home tie this Wednesday at Irongate, Bamber Bridge, 7.45 kick off. 
 

Team: Reader, Bateman, Walker, Jones C, Eastwood, Sconce, Berry (C), Haydock, Cafferkey, Watson, Bailey. Subs:  McCrea, Dransfield, Taberner, Martin & Jones S.

Women's FA Premier Reserves - Mids & North 1

9^th September

PNE WFC Reserves (0) v (4) Leeds Utd Reserves

After a good result away from home last week, PNE started their home campaign with a disappointing to defeat to Leeds.

Leeds started the game strongly and confidently stroked the ball across the midfield.

Before PNE had chance to settle into the game Leeds had already scored twice. The first goal came from some good movement from the Leeds forward who managed to cleverly beat the offside trap and fire home with a sharp finish, this despite the protests of the PNE defence.

The second goal however, was a piece of pure luck. A free kick was played in from the right 10 yards inside the PNE half. The ball missed everyone but then hit a Leeds player coming in at the back post and went into the opposite side of the goal, leaving Jen helpless to do anything.

Kez then had to be replaced by Kez Platt, which lead to a change in shape for the team. This helped PNE gain a foothold in the game and stopped Leeds enjoying the space in midfield that they had had previously.

However, Leeds managed to score before the half time interval, although the Leeds goal had come close to being breached from Keara shot and turn that went just wide. Toddy then hit a free kick right on the stroke of half time that the Leeds keeper struggled to deal with. But in tune with the rest of the half the bounce didn’t go PNE’s way and Leeds managed to scramble the ball clear.

The second half started well for PNE as they tried to build up some concerted pressure on the Leeds goal. However, they could not find that killer touch or pass that was required. Leeds hit the crossbar before they managed to complete the scoring in the second half.

Overall, it was a disappointing start to the home season, but the girls came up against an excellent Leeds side, who on the day deserved their victory. However, credit must go to the PNE girls, whose attitude and work rate was excellent, this despite the score line.

This game was a definite reality check for the girls, after gaining promotion the previous season, and it will be interesting to see how they can bounce back in their next game away at Man. City.

Preston North End WFC V Rotherham United LFC 
 

Preston entertained newly promoted Rotherham in this week’s home fixture.

A confident Preston side were looking to increase their winning run to 3 games, and things looked promising early on in this game, with Preston maintaining early possession.

Rotherham however had the 1^st effort on goal which was well saved by Emma Reader. Preston then created their first shot on target after an excellent cross from Emma Sconce, which Sarah McCrea met with a fierce half volley which the Rotherham keeper magnificently managed to block.

Rotherham did manage to get the ball in the back of the net in the 24^th minute after a fine free kick was lofted into the Preston box only for the linesman to have raised his flag to call for a clear offside.

Preston had the final chance of the half when Sam Cadwallader latched onto defence splitting pass only to scuff her shot after expertly rounding the keeper. The score remained 0-0 at the interval.

Preston began the second half well, forcing Rotherham onto the backfoot; Sarah McCrea was again heavily involved in the forward play and shot just over the bar on the hour mark. Several further chance were created with Sconce and Haydock both having opportunities that either went wide or over the bar.

Rotherham indeed started to tire and Preston took full advantages of this creating sustained pressure, a Preston corner resulted in a goal-mouth scramble and Emma Sconce finally found the touch to tap it into the net, putting Preston 1-0 up.

The second soon followed after Sub Fiona Dransfield pressurised the tiring Rotherham defence which allowed the hard working Gemma Watson to help herself to a well-deserved goal.

Rotherham however never gave up and just minutes from the end forced Prestons keeper into a full stretch save. No further chances were created and Preston were comfortable 2-0 winners after a competitive game. 
 

Preston North End WFC travel to Sheffield Wednesday next Sunday the 9^th of September.

PNE WFC Reserves V Lincoln City

Prestons reserves had a fine away win in this their 1^st fixture of the season. After going in 1-0 down at half time Preston came out fighting and quickly equalised with Carla Mulligan scoring, the lead soon followed with youngster Jodi Kerr putting the ball into the back of the net. Lincoln equalised but Preston again retook the lead with a Todhunter goal, Lincoln again equalised to bring the score to 3-3, but in a fairytale finish Catherine Gibbons scored her 1^st goal in 7 years after returning from several serious injuries, to give Preston a 4-3 Win.

The reserves entertain Leeds United at Preston Sports Arena, 2pm KO this weekend.

Preston take the points

Preston North End WFC v Crewe

The 1^st game of the season at Bamber Bridges Iron Gate ground saw the game begin at a frenetic pace with both teams searching to maintain possession and gain the upper hand.

It was Preston who were able to create the initial goal scoring opportunity with Alison Taberner latching on to a defensive mistake only to fire wide of the post.

Preston then began to dominate possession and good work from Vicky Eastwood on the left wing lead to a cross which Taberner again met but the shot was blocked and fell kindly to a Crewe defender to clear.

Prestons new keeper Emma Reader had her first save to make on 26 Minutes after a long range Crewe effort.

The opening goal of the game came on 34 minutes after new signing Anisha Bateman                 cut inside from the right and found Gemma Watson who played a perfect pass into Leesa Haydock who deftly chipped over the Crewe Keeper from 25 yards out. Haydock had another shot just minutes later but pulled the effort wide.

A shot by Taberner after excellent work again from the outstanding Gemma Watson, whisked just past the Crewe upright in the 43^rd minute of the half.

Crewe defended stoically throughout the half and kept Preston to the one goal lead at half time. 
 

It was Crewe who hit the opening salvo of the 2^nd half with a shot that went wide closely followed by another that was easily collected by Reader.

Preston then seemed to find an extra gear and had several chances to increase the lead but none were converted. In the 11^th minute of the half good work down Prestons left flank released Haydock who whipped in a cross that was met by a Taberner volley that streaked just wide of the far post.

Preston continued to create good chances with the two strikers Cadwallader and Watson combining to create a fine shot that unfortunately hit the post and dropped out of play just minutes later.

A double substitution in the 21^st minute of the half saw both Preston strikers replaced and Hannah Bailey soon made an impact with a probing run down the right which produced a cross and shot that was again blocked by a brave Crewe defender.

Crewe had a change in formation late in the half that led to them having a period of greater pressure but Preston continued to defend well and were able to repel the Crewe advances.

Preston should have put the result beyond doubt just a couple of minutes from the end after Bailey crossed only for the ball to edge just wide from the Dransfield shot. 
 

A 1-0 win was a welcome start to the new season and with other players due to return after injury and new signings yet to play Preston look forward to next week’s away fixture at Newcastle United. 

Shoot out ends in heart break at the Armitage Centre

Preston made a dramatic exit from the Umbro Tournament held at Manchester's well renowned Armitage Centre. 

This would be Preston's first time at the Umbro Tournament since being promoted to the Elite League alongside teams such as Everton, Portsmouth and Newcastle. The tournament got off to a slow start for the Lily Whites when they conceded their first fixture to the eventual group winners, Everton.  North End defended well and managed to hold the Toffees at nil nil until a lapse in concentration on a corner resulted in Everton breaking the deadlock just before half time.  After the interval North End were met with a barrage of attacks from the National Premiership side, and eventually succumbed to two long range efforts from the Toffees.  Despite digging deep and looking for a reply North End had nothing left in the bag and the full time whistle blew on a 4-0 score line, an unfair reflection on what was a riveting game and an excellent performance from the girls.

Preston were still struggling to find their feet as they went into their second fixture against Manchester City.  Despite have the majority of possession and the run of play North End finished this fixture 1-0 down after a long range effort from the City captain during the first half.

Game three finally saw the Lily Whites find their feet as Leesa Haydock and Fiona Dransfield both capitalised twice each during this fixture.  Despite valiant attempts by the magpies, they could find no way past a solid looking north end side.  The referee blew the whistle and Preston had truly blown the magpies away.

The fourth and final fixture of day one was an eagerly anticipated match up against a lively looking Portsmouth side.  However this fixture ended comfortably for Preston with a 3-0 victory under their belts thanks to goals from Sam Cadwallader and Emma Sconce. 

Sunday saw North End play their final fixture against Wolves.  The Lily whites breezed wolves aside with a 3-1 victory, with goals again from Sam Cadwallader and Emma Sconce. 

Preston secured runner up in their group just pipping Newcastle to the post on goal difference, this meant they would progress through to face Glasgow in the Semi-final, a team who had taken the maximum amount of points from each of their group fixtures.  This was not going to be an easy game and after both teams failed to score during normal time, the teams progressed to penalties.

Glasgow managed to slot home all four of their penalties despite the best attempts of Emma Reader, however North End only managed to bury one in three which saw Glasgow progress to the final to play Everton and a lot of heart break for the Preston players.

Disappointed to lose on penalties but with some consolation that it was to the eventual winners in our first appearance at elite level.