Preston North End ran out 3-0 winners against Rochdale on Saturday, with a confident and assured performance.

A fantastic first half saw the Lilywhites take a two nil lead thanks to Scott Davidson and George Miller. A Davidson penalty early on in the second half made it three and sealed the victory for North End.

North End made several changes from the team that beat Morecambe 6-0 last time out, as Bailey Wright made his long awaited Preston debut in the centre of defence alongside Scott Leather.

Rochdale meanwhile, had striker Reece Gray taken to hospital shortly before kick-off after suffering a cut to the head during the warm up.

The opening ten minutes was a very cagey affair, with both teams trying to feel their way into the game. Preston were quickest to settle though, with Sam Hart and Neil Dougan in particular combining well down the left flank.

Dougan was the architect of Preston's best early chance on 13 minutes. The midfielder cut inside from the left and his pass created a chance for Ryan McGreevy to shoot. The 20-yard-shot was well placed, but Rochdale keeper Jordan Andrews saved well down to his right.

The Lilywhites then began to take control of the game, passing the ball well, and leaving Rochdale chasing shadows at times.

The opener came on 25 minutes. A Sam Hart cross from the left ended up at Miller's feet. Quick thinking from the captain put Scott Davidson clean through, and he gave Preston a
deserved lead with a cool finish to the keeper's left.

Five minutes later the Lilywhites had doubled their lead. Credit here must go to Tom Owens who somehow managed to get a cross in from the right, which found George Miller in a difficult position, with his back to goal. The captain then turned his defender and finished emphatically past Andrews in the Rochdale net in the best moment of the match.

Rochdale's main threat was the pacey Helio Andre, but composed defending from Wright and Conor McLaughlin meant any threat was soon snuffed out, leaving the lone striker frustrated.

With the defence on top, it was left to Preston's attackers to try and put the game out of reach. The dangerous Davidson was proving to be the biggest thorn in Rochdale's side, engineering a couple of half chances for himself as the second half drew to a close.

Rochdale came out fighting for the second half, Rochdale captain Callum Bryne giving Dominic Comrie his first real work of the afternoon on 55 minutes.

The away side's pressure seemed to have sparked Preston into life, Neil Dougan showing some fantastic touches, and in the 56th minute he was rewarded for his efforts. His touch took the ball away from the first Rochdale defender, and Russell Benjamin was forced to bring him down in the box, conceding a penalty. Davidson stepped up to convert the spot kick, finishing confidently in the top right corner and making in three nil to Preston.

Dougan and Davidson both tested the Rochdale keeper again in the next ten minutes with powerful efforts but were unable to add to North End's lead. Debutant Wright also tried to get in on the act, rising magnificently in the box to connect with a Hart corner, but his header flew agonisingly wide.

Michael McLellan and Cameron Parish, who was making his debut, both came on for Preston and ensured that North End remained an attacking threat. McLellan should have had a penalty in the 83rd minute; however the referee didn't give it after he was hacked down from behind in the box.

The last chance of the match fell to Wright, who didn't put a foot wrong all afternoon. The defender attacked the near post from a corner but couldn't direct his header past Jordan Andrews.

Dean Ramsdale was delighted with the performance of Australian Wright in defence. Ramsdale said:

"I'm delighted for the lad. It's been difficult for them because they've not played for a while, but Bailey was outstanding today, and Cameron Parish was smashing when he came on."

The performance was perfect preparation for the FA Youth Cup game against Man City next week. Ramsdale, who is the director of youth said:

"We're really looking forward to it, especially after today. The first half was really good, we moved the ball well. The second half they came out and gave us a right go, but we weathered the storm and I'm delighted to come out with the 3-0 win."

PNE: Dominic Comrie, Conor McLaughlin, Sam Hart, George Miller(c) (Seanan Clucus, 80), Bailey Wright, Scott Leather, Tom Owens, Scott Davidson, Ryan McGreevy(Michael McLellan 45), Jamie Proctor, Neil Dougan (Cameron Parish, 70). Unused subs: Jordan Watson, Ryan Hall.

Rochdale: Jordan Andrews, Scott Hogan, Tom Buckley, Russell Benjamin, Michael Roach (Laurie Bell 30), Jordan Fagbola, Dennis Sheriff, Liam Murray (Joe Walker 75), Godwin Adabani, Callum Byrne(c), Helio Andre (Luke Watson 75). Unused sub: Josh Tinner.

Report by Jonathan Lally. Photos by Farran Photography and Andy Stunell / Lenscap Photography