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PNE U18s 6 PNE Fans Team 1

Posted on: Wed 22 Jul 2009

The solid bond between the Club and supporters of Preston North End was further strengthened at the weekend as the youth team gave the 'Fans Team' a stern test ahead of their British Cup Final at the end of this week, with the scholars themselves given a handy run out as they get used to their new-look line-up.

The Club's U18s ran out 6-1 winners on the day, with their coach Jamie Hoyland describing it as 'a fantastic work out and better than a training session', while Fans Team boss Steve Cowell saw it as an understandably great moment for his side.

"This PNE youth team is the best we've had for a long time," was Cowell's assessment. "They turned in an impressive display of football against us and the gulf in class was always there, but my lads worked hard to make it a decent test for the youth teamers.

Action From The Youth Team v Fans Team Clash

Action From The Youth Team v Fans Team Clash

"We had our moments with a well worked goal half way through the second half, one kicked off the line and another good effort hitting the crossbar, but the superior fitness and class of the PNE youth team was there for all to see.

"It augurs well for the future of PNE that this impressive crop of youngsters are already being noticed by their respective countries with Conor McLaughlin representing Northern Ireland later this week.

"We could not have asked for a better test and I am sure the lads will now take some of what we learnt from Saturday's game into the British Cup Final against West Brom on Friday. We are still buzzing from having the chance to play against our future stars and they made a real impression on my lads in terms of the standard of fitness and ability you have to reach if you want to become a professional footballer.

"We'd like to extend a massive thanks to PNE and especially Jamie Hoyland and Dean Ramsdale for giving us the chance to live our dream by playing the future stars of PNE."

The Legends XI Line-Up

It was a busy day for the Fans Team, who also put out another side later in the day to take on a PNE Legends XI. Four goals from David Eyres and further strikes from Lee Cartwright and John Thomas ensured that a side also containing the likes of Sean Haslegrave, Oshor Williams and Graham Atkinson were 6-2 winners, with every member of the Fans Team squad well tested ahead of their big occasion on Friday.

The British Cup Final kicks off at 6.30pm on Friday night at Bodington Hall in Leeds, situated on Otley Road to the north of the city, just beyond the ring road. PNE supporters are being urged to cross the Pennines and cheer on their fellow fans as they look to complete an entire season unbeaten.