Preston North End ran riot in the second half at Bamber Bridge to come out 7-0 winners in the opening match of pre-season.

The Lilywhites, sporting the new 2023/24 home kit for the first time, went into the break one ahead thanks to an own goal.

Eight changes were made at half-time and the goals didn’t stop as Kitt Nelson and Jacob Slater scored a brace, with Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile and Mikey O’Neill also getting on the scoresheet.

It was North End creating the first opportunity of the game and they couldn’t have come much closer as Ben Woodburn struck the post and Brad Potts then blazed the follow-up over the crossbar.

A minute later, the hosts had a big chance themselves to break the deadlock as a slip from Patrick Bauer meant Lewis Holt could run through at goal. Freddie Woodman did well, though, to make the save before then preventing Tunoc Bayode in the aftermath.

North End’s next efforts came from range through Lewis Leigh and Robbie Brady, with the latter seeing his strike tipped just wide of goal.

From the resulting corner in the 17^th minute, the Irishman whipped a cross in towards Brad Potts but defender Pond was the man who won it in the air, only to see the ball end in the back of the net.

Brady was once again involved just two minutes later, slotting Woodburn through but the midfielder could only find the side netting.

After Potts volleyed over from close range, the right wing back turned provider on 33 minutes for Woodburn who showed great skill to turn and make space for himself, before seeing a shot kept out.

North End made eight changes at the break, with only Slater, Nelson and O’Neill continuing.

All three of them went on to make the scoresheet, too, with Slater netting first, heading home Kian Taylor’s curling free-kick.

Within four minutes, it was three as a defensive clearance was blocked by Noah Mawene and the ball fell for O’Neill, who did well to beat the goalkeeper and find the bottom corner.

Nelson was next to get a goal and he took it very well too, waiting for the ball to drop out of the sky before chipping over goalkeeper Mackenzie Chapman.

In the 63^rd minute, Slater had his second after Mawene cut the ball back for his teammate, who had to adjust his position before cushioning a first-time finish into the bottom corner.

Arguably the best of the bunch then followed five minutes later as substitute Rodriguez-Gentile curled an outrageous finish over the goalkeeper and into the top corner from 18 yards.

A seventh and final goal was to come 13 minutes from time; again Slater was involved, putting the ball into a dangerous area and Nelson received the ball with his back to goal before turning and finishing.

PNE first half XI: Woodman; Diaby, Bauer, Slater; Potts, Ledson, Leigh, Brady; Woodburn; Nelson, O’Neill.

PNE second half XI: Cornell; Storey, Lindsay, Best; Seary. Taylor, Kamara, Slater; Mawene; Nelson, O’Neill (Rodriguez-Gentile, 62).