Men’s 1st XI – friendly:Brooklands MU 1st XI 2-2 Preston 1st XIA makeshift Preston team, missing six 1st XI regulars, put in a gutsy and, at times, slick performance against a Brooklands team who boasted several National League players. In Preston’s dress rehearsal for this weekend’s league clash against Alderley Edge, it was perfect match practice against a skilful Brookland’s team, well versed in the tradition of ‘keep ball’. Still, Preston defended stoically and several fringe players gave Head Coach, Dave Scanlon, a timely reminder of their qualities. In particular, Owen Fletcher, put in a barnstorming performance at left-midfield, covering every inch of Astroturf whilst always looking to play the simple pass. Gaz Makin battled away at left-half and Paul Masterson energised with right flank with his pacy and direct running. It was the home team who took the lead after 15 minutes when a mazy run from their forward opened up space in Preston’s D before the ball was slipped across to an unmarked player at the far post for a simple tap-in. Preston responded immediately as Don Cock, suffering from a cold, attacked from deep winning two quick penalty corners. Then a superb cross-pitch aerial ball from Neil Guyton found the marauding presence of right-half, David Sullivan, who controlled the bouncing ball superbly before cracking in a rifle-like cross which just evaded the outstretched stick of Ben Heywood. Preston sensed an equaliser and it was worth the wait. England junior international, Martin Scanlon, created and scored it with a mesmerising dribble from centre midfield which saw he eclipse five players before slotting the shot past his brother in the Brooklands goal. Soon after the break, the home team regained the lead. Tony Metcalf’s clearance from a penalty corner only reached an attacker, who flicked in from a couple of yards out. Undeterred, Preston pressed forward. Cock went close with a snap shot and Metcalf was causing havoc with his bullocking runs from right midfield. A quick passing move presented Heywood with a golden opportunity, but the young poacher, steered the shot wide. Eventually, Preston restored parity as a penalty corner was shifted around the D before falling to Guyton who made no mistake from close range. The West Cliff nearly snatched it as Cock picked up a long clearance from Richard Sullivan, but upon shooting, he was blocked well by Ian Scanlon in the Brooklands goal. Scorers:Scanlon (28), Guyton (61) - Preston take on Alderley Edge away this Saturday.
-----City of Preston Badgers 7 Southport 0Scorers: Alex Green (6, 7), Stephen Beddows (15, 17), Chris Clark (26), Alex Thompson (37), Ben Lucas (54) Keen to start the New Year in style, as well as run off the excess pounds after the Christmas break, Preston started brightly against a Southport side which had given them a few problems in their previous encounter in December which Preston eventually won 5-2. Right from the whistle, Preston's pace and direct approach play found gaps in the Southport defence particularly down the flanks through wingers Simon Bamber and Josh Coupe. Upfront, missing top scorer Henry Thompson who was suffering from jet lag after a break in Australia, 'new' pairing Alex Green and Stephen Beddows quickly developed a good understanding of each other's style culminating in Green bagging a pair in quick succession in the 6 and 7 minute, the second a particularly fierce shot from the edge of the D after good link up play between Beddows and Alex Thompson. Not to be outdone, Beddows then got on the act in the 15th minute finishing off a strong run and cross from Bamber, and then too getting his second in the 17th sweeping in after dribbling through the defence from the 25 yard line. With Preston's defence not under a great deal of pressure, the midfield continually pushed up to keep the pressure on the now shell-shocked Southport defence and Chris Clark scored a great solo goal beating several defenders in a mazy run in the 26th minute. Half time score 5-0, it was important to keep the pressure up second half and not let Southport back in the game as they did in the last encounter. This Preston did with the midfield pairing of Clark and Ben Gomer continuing to pick up most of the loose ball in the centre of the park, and the rotational full backs of Adam Bayley, Seb Luker and Alex Whalley distributing the ball at pace up the wings. Alex Thompson scored a fine goal 7 minutes into the period after exchanging a crisp 'one-two' with Alex Green and after keeper Harry Castle saved well from one of the few clear Southport chances in the 24th minute, the ball was moved swiftly up field and Ben Lucas finished off well at the far post to complete the scoring. Squad:Castle, Luker, Key, Bayley, Thompson A, Bamber, Clark, Gomer, Coupe, Green, Beddows, Whalley, Sarsfield, Lucas. ----The views expressed on this page are those of the contributor and the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the BBC. | 
