Ipswich Town 3-8 PNE

The North End made an early start setting off at 03:00am, picking up the Higgins brothers on the way. As per usual we got lost en route, Atky holding his hand up being responsible (Des's hand was in the way of the map!)

The team finally arrived after a few motor way stops, taking six hours in total. The venue was Ipswich Wanderers FC, playing on the practice pitch.

We made our way to the changing rooms, which were very old in deed. The feeling of running out for our home team kicked in, all the players geared up for the match. Unfortunately we were let down by the Ipswich team, only five players turned up. It was a bit upsetting, after we had come all this way.

As the match was a registered IFA league fixture, the game had to be played. Steve, Des and Jimmy donned Ipswich blue. The match eventually got underway.

North End got off to a good start, passing the ball around the pitch in good fashion. It wouldn't be long before Preston made the break through, taking allot of the ball early on. The Ipswich keeper was tested on a number of occasions, dealing with some long range shots.

It was top scorer Andy who made the break through, back in the team after his holiday. Andy took is goal tally to eight in eight games, hitting the back of the net with a half volley from close range.

Ipswich Town found themselves back in the match soon after Andy's opener. A mazy run from Des beat the PNE defence, Des standing in as Ipswich striker poked the ball past Chris in goal to level the score.

North End soon after took control of the game. Alex Higgins who was making his debut for the team put Preston back in front. Alex found himself inside the box with a clear sight on goal, he made no mistake beating the Town keeper to make it 2-1.

Preston couldn't find the net for the rest of the first half, shots from distance not causing the Ipswich keeper any problems. North End had a good foot hold in the match. Defensive back line Atky, Jimmy and Stewart dealing with everything thrown at them.

The blistering heat didn't help much, the half time water break was much welcomed. A second half on slaughter was to follow. The host not being able to deal with the pace and fitness through out the team.

The goals started to poor in, which was a great second half display from the Whites. Alex again found himself in on goal after a surging run from the right wing. Alex completed his brace with no hesitation slotting the ball past the keeper.

North End had most of the possession in the second half, it paid off when Andy gave Preston a 4-1 lead. Pete threaded Andy in on goal, making no mistake drilling the ball left footed into the back of the net.

Ipswich pulled another goal back direct from kickoff. Steve lobbed the ball over the defense for the Town striker to run onto the ball, under pressure from Atky he netted to make it 4-2.

Preston needed a quick reply, and quick it was. Pete scored a cracking goal to put North End back in the driving seat. Bradley crossed a sweet pass to Pete who picked up the ball up to the right of the box. Instant control, leaded to a quick fire rocket which almost broke the net.

Fellow debutee Jimmy Higgins also got himself on the score sheet. Jimmy had a short spell up front, Jim finding the net with a well taken goal after some good one touch football. The Ipswich forward line didn't cause PNE too much problems with Steve creating all the forward play from midfield.

Atky got in on the act, scoring his first goal in ten games, he picked the ball up in the right back position. Atky made a run into the box playing a one-two with midfielder Lewis. Lewis showed great skill to back heal the ball back to Atky for the defender to score from five yards out.

Town pulled another goal back, Steve made a smart run into the box. Steve was under pressure from Jimmy, Steve went down in the box as the ref gave a penalty. Chris made a fantastic save from the resulting penalty but was unfortunate not to keep the rebound out.

Preston continued to counter attack, throwing everything bar the kitchen sink at Ipswich looking to add the the seven goals scored. It was Lewis who brought the scoring to an end.

Stewart made a great run into the box from left back, he found himself through on goal. Stewart playing his second match for the team released his shot on goal only to be saved by stand in keeper Jimmy. It was Lewis who reacted quickest to the rebound, pouncing from close range smashing the ball into the net.

It was an excellent performance all round, everyone playing their part in which was PNE's firs IFA league win.

Top: Pete, Alex Higgins, Jim Higgins, Jimmy, Des, Chris, Stewart

Bottom: Steve, Lewis, Andy, Bradley, Atky