Preston North End youngsters narrowly lose with Ryan Lowe watching on

PNE manager Ryan Lowe and first team coach Paul Gallagher were amongst the crowd to watch a side featuring several youngsters that have seen game time in the first team this summer or previously.

James Pradic, who recently signed a pro deal at North End and went on the pre-season training camp to Spain, was in goal. Dana Amaral, Aaron Bennett and Noah Mawene, who have all featured in the middle of midfield this summer, were involved as was Mikey O’Neill who is now a regular with the senior squad and made two apperances in the Championship last season.

Lewis Leigh, who has also been in a Championship matchday squad in the past, gave North End the lead in the 16th minute with a 25-yard shot into the top corner of the net.

But the lead did not last long as the home side went straight up the pitch to level the game a minute later when Lewis Haydock finished off a well worked move from inside the area.

Shortly after the restart North End keeper James Pradic could only parry a free-kick to Charnock captain Nathan Fairhurst, who followed in the rebound to put the home side in front.

North End were unlucky not to get back into the game when Leigh had a one-on-one shot saved by home keeper Callum Jakovlevs.

At the other end Pradic stopped former North End youngster Fairhurst from doubling the home side’s advantage when he kept out his powerful strike from just inside the box.

North End’s youngsters continued to press for an equaliser but were denied by Callum Jakovlevs in the home goal who came fast off his line to block Mikey O Neill.

Leigh was thwarted twice more by the outstanding Jakovlevs who first saved his well struck shot and then tipped his dipping free-kick over the bar.

O’Neill had a fierce volley which just went wide.

Two minutes from time, PNE substitute Kitt Nelson headed Jacob Slater’s fine cross against the post from close range.