Preston North End ended the pre-season schedule with a 2-0 defeat away from home against Stockport County.

Freddie Woodman saved a Will Collar penalty in the 17^th minute on the day of the Hatters’ 140^th anniversary, but the midfielder broke the deadlock just moments later.

Ben Woodburn found the back of the net soon after, only to be flagged offside, and Ryan Rydel’s free-kick in the 75^th minute secured victory for the hosts.

North End could have gone ahead inside the opening minute as Kian Best – a day on from signing a professional contract – put in a dangerous cross which just bypassed Will Keane, and then Brad Potts slammed it back across the box, but again no one could get a touch.

Keane was involved again on 12 minutes when Alan Browne slotted him through and the forward forced Ben Hinchliffe to tip over the crossbar.

At the other end a few moments later, Bambo Diaby was adjudged to have brought Louie Barry down inside the area and Collar stepped up to take the penalty, only to be denied by a terrific diving Woodman stop.

Collar would very soon have his goal, though, firing home from the resulting corner after a scramble in the box.

Woodburn thought he had an equaliser for his side in the 20^th minute, smartly finding the bottom corner, but he was flagged offside.

Birthday boy Mads Frøkjær had an effort deflected narrowly wide just before the half-hour mark and the resulting set piece saw Andrew Hughes head just wide at the far post.

Shortly before half-time there was a mix-up at the back between Woodman and Diaby which almost cost North End, however the ‘keeper managed to tip Nick Powell’s effort away from goal.

After going in behind, Ryan Lowe’s side dominated the opening stages of the second half and had a few opportunities to go ahead. The first couple were Best free-kicks – one saved and one wide – before confusion at the back almost allowed Woodburn a tap-in.

PNE were perhaps then fortunate to not go two down in the 67^th minute when Callum Camps squandered a big chance, sending an effort wide after being found in the area by Barry.

The hosts’ second of the afternoon did arrive 15 minutes from time, though, as Rydel whipped a well-struck free-kick past Woodman from 20 yards.

Substitute Duane Holmes limped off in the final stages of the match for North End meaning they ended the day with ten men as the hosts came out 2-0 winners.

PNE line-up: Woodman; Storey, Diaby (Bauer, 45), Hughes (Cunningham, 62); Potts (Ramsay, 62), McCann (Ledson, 62), Browne (Holmes, 45), Frøkjær (Mawene, 79), Best (Taylor, 79); Woodburn (Stewart, 55), Keane (Rodriguez-Gentile, 79). Subs not used: Cornell.

Referee: Mr T Kirk.

Attendance: 4,200 (635 PNE fans).