Preston picked up all three points after bouncing back from the previous week's heavy defeat by producing a great performance against one of the FA Womens Premier League side's reserve teams.

North End were hoping to put last week's defeat behind them as they took the short journey to Liverpool for a 10.30am kick off due to Liverpool's first team also having a home fixture, and the morning start seemed to suit PNE's early risers perfectly.

Preston started brightly, pressuring Liverpool high up the pitch whilst remaining solid at the back when Liverpool had the chance to break. Liverpool were also defending well resulting in both teams cancelling each other out with neither making any clear cut chances.

However, with half an hour gone, a ball from the left was played by Mel Bartley to Charlotte Watson who forced the keeper to tip her shot round the post. From the resulting corner Watson again got a shot away but it went just wide. North End started to dominate and looked the more likely to score but it was to remain goalless at the interval.

After the interval, Liverpool were the more dominant team for the first ten to 15 minutes of play, and on 55 minutes nearly gained an advantage; a cross from the right wing to Micha Deane on the six yard line resulted in a shot that was well saved by the Preston goalkeeper Danielle Gibbons.

The Lilywhites then started to take the upper hand again and were rewarded for their efforts with Rachelle Smith holding the ball up well and laying into the path of Louise Cafferkey who took a touch and then lobbed the keeper from just outside the box.

Preston continued to work hard as a unit, which produced its rewards. Nicola Barker made a good run down the right on Preston's next promising break, and when getting into the box, she tried shooting from a narrow angle but Liverpool keeper Kim Griffiths made the save.

With five minutes remaining, North End were awarded a crucial free kick. Danni Ayres stood over the ball and delivered onto the head of Mel Bartley who guided it into the top corner giving Griffiths no chance. Just prior to the whistle the injured Watson was replaced by Gemma Thorpe.

Preston held out to obtain a deserved 2-0 victory and three points and will be hoping for the same on their visit to Newcastle next Sunday, 5th April.

By Rachael Murray.