Port Vale 0-2 Preton North End

Match images here

Goals by our new signing "Young Ash" and our leading goals score Andy Dodwell sealed a hard earned victory for us today. But for long periods of the game we never really looked like scoring even though we had most of the possession.

Port Vale who had been on the end of some heavy defeats recently looked nervous at the start of the game but their keeper pulled of a blinding save from Preston's Alan Cookson in the first few minutes and this seem to inspire the Port Vale lads who began to grow in confidence as the first half progressed.

Numerous crosses and shots flew across the Port Vale penalty box without really testing their keeper and frustration began to set in. But credit to the Preston team who obviously frustrated with things still kept to their "game plan"

Half time saw the teams go in level and it was much the same at the start of the second half as once again the Preston lads took the game to their opponents. The Preston manger decided to change things around with 30 minutes to go moving leading goal scorer Andy Dodwell in a more central attacking role and bringing on "young ash" for his debut.

Also coming on was Stewart who had patiently been waiting for his opportunity and Atky filled in at right back for Pete. Des who came on for Mike at left back. The game continued in much the same vein but their seem more purpose about the Preston team now especially down the left hand side with "Young Ash" proving area handful for the Port Vale defenders.

Yet it was the classic counter attack that saw Port Vale have the best chance of the game but the lad seem to "bottle it" when faced with a one and one and put his shot wide! That proved to be their downfall as Preston went straight up the other end and scored! A powerful corner was headed home by "Young Ash" much to the relief of the Preston players.

It was a splendid goal from a player who is going to be a real asset to the Preston Team. Andy Dodwell wrapped the game up with another fine goal in the closing stages.

Thanks to all the Preston Players for their efforts today.

Player Manager S M Cowell.

Top: Matt , Steve, Mike, Des, Jimmy, Chris, Alex , Pete, Allan, Ash

Bottom: Stewart, Young Ash, Johnny, Rosie, John, Lewis, Andy, Atky