Following their first win of pre-season against Chorley yesterday, Simon Grayson’s Lilywhites take on Bamber Bridge at Irongate at 7pm tonight.
Brig, managed by PNE fan Neil Crowe, are in full preparation for the 2013/14 season – having won their opening warm-up match 2-1 against Lostock St Gerards.
The Northern Premier League First Division North side placed ninth in their respective league last season and will be hoping to build on that finish in the coming campaign.
Spoils were shared the previous time these two sides met, as they drew 1-1, thanks to first half goals from Bamber Bridge’s Luke Atherton and former North End attacker David Amoo.
Preston will be hoping they can improve on that result this year and build some momentum, heading into competitive play on August 3rd, against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Team News
Will Hayhurst is likely make his first appearance of pre-season as he continues to shake off the niggling injury that has prevented him playing either of PNE’s warm-up games so far.
The versatile Keith Keane is 50/50 to take part, while lightning quick winger Jeffrey Monakana is still a doubt.
Striker Stuart Beavon is also unlikely to feature after hobbling off the pitch during last night’s match with Chorley with a leg injury.
The Manager
44-year-old Neil Crowe is in his second spell with Bamber Bridge, having been a player at Irongate in the mid-90s.
However, he originally started his career in the 1980s with North West Counties League side Darwen, before moving onto Squires Gate. He then made his way to Brig for the 1994/95 season and followed that up with a spell at Lostock St Gerards.
Four years with Fulwood Amateurs came next in the West Lancashire League, until injury thwarted his playing career and Crowe began to consider coaching.
His return to Irongate in 2004/05 was marked by his joining of the Lancashire League management team before he made the leap up to first team duties seamlessly as assistant manager in 2006.
Crowe was appointed head coach in Easter 2011 and enjoyed his first full season in charge of Brig – finishing 10th in the league.
Directions
Head south on the A6 out of Preston, past the Capital Retail Park on London Way. Take the second exit at the roundabout, continuing along the A6. Take the first exit at the next roundabout, then the first right and Bamber Bridge’s Irongate stadium will be on your left.
Ticket Information
It’s just £6 for an adult ticket for tonight’s game, while concessions can gain entry for only £3.