Callum Lang shines in first Preston North End run out since 'club record' move from Portsmouth
PNE went strong in Tuesday’s reserve clash against Stockport County
Callum Lang scored a hat-trick for Preston North End reserves on Tuesday afternoon.
The Lilywhites bought the 27-year-old for a ‘club record’ fee on transfer deadline day, from Portsmouth. However, the attacker was not involved against his former club last weekend as he is still returning to full fitness.
This week’s Central League clash against Stockport County, at Euxton, represented a good opportunity for Lang to get a run out. And, he wasted no time in making a strong impression with the forward scoring three of PNE’s goals in a 5-1 victory.
Fellow deadline day recruit, Andrew Moran, was also on the score sheet - the Irishman arrived for a reported £1million from Brighton. There was also a goal for loan signing Milos Lukovic, who played 45 minutes last Saturday.
The Serbian converted after Preston won the ball back in County’s box. Lang scored one from the penalty spot, along with a header inside the box and tapped finish from close range. It was Moran who broke the deadlock, after being played in by Lukovic.
Another boost for PNE boss Paul Heckingbottom was Robbie Brady playing 45 minutes. The Republic of International has not kicked a ball this season. He underwent surgery on a calf issue back in September.
Brady played the first half along with Lukovic and Lang, while Moran and Jamal Lewis completed an hour. Milutin Osmajic - whose three game ban has now finished - played the second half and saw a late goal ruled out for offside.
Academy players Li-Bau Stowell, Ed Nolan, Jonny Brindle, Troy Tarry, Charlie Forwood, Shay Reid and Nathan Snowball all featured in the game along with young pros Noah Mawene and Kitt Nelson.