Preston North End youngsters fall to defeat after going ahead and have Blackpool on the horizon

North End got themsevles into a two goal lead but surrendered it to let the host come back to take the win 3-2.

Jacob Slater and Aaron Bennett, from the spot, have PNE the advantage before Jack Arrowsmith, Harvey Hayhurst and Scotty Harries – the last two goals coming inside the final 10 minutes to flip the game on its head.

Ridge play their games in the North West Counties Premier Division and finished mid table last season, proving to be a tought test for some of North End’s fledgling talent which included Bennett, Noah Mawene and Josh Seary who have all featured for the first team this summer.

A healthy crowd of 375 witnessed an entertaining game in the summer sunshine at the Recycling Lives Ground.

North End side began brightly, controlling the game and they were unlucky not to open the scoring when Lewis Leigh had a dipping shot tipped over the bar by the hosts keeper James Aspinall.

Midway through the first half Longridge got a foothold in the game, with Ryan Hogarth on hand in the PNE net to keep things level.

It was somewhat against the run of play when full back Slater headed North End into the lead from a set play on the stroke of half time.

After the break there were chances for both sides, Finlay Cross-Adair and Harries trying their luck for PNE and Longridge respectively but neither could find the net.

Hogarth was again able to keep Ridge out, thwarting a one on one after 61 minutes.

North End doubled their advantage just two minutes after and looked to have won the game when Aaron Bennett drilled home a penalty after Finlay Cross-Adair had been tripped in the area.

The home side, who were playing in their seventh friendly of the summer, put that advantage to good use when Arrowsmith got them a goal back after 68 minutes.

After 84 minutes substitute Harvey Hayhurst equalised for the home side but they would have more two minutes later.

Scott Harries lashed home a winner to give former PNE player Lee Ashcroft’s men the win.

PNE U19’s play Blackpool in their next pre-season friendly on July 16 at Springfields, 10am.