The details of Preston North End U19s’ pre-season schedule have now been confirmed.
It was a hugely successful 2021/22 campaign for Nick Harrison’s side as they completed the EFL Youth Alliance league and cup double, winning 27 of their 36 matches along the way.
The new season will begin on Saturday 6th August, with a time and opponent yet to be confirmed, but before then the young Lilywhites will play four friendly matches during July.
They will kick off their pre-season against Fleetwood Town at Springfields on Saturday 9th July at 10.30am. North End faced the Cod Army three times last season – twice in the league and once in the cup – and won all three encounters.
The standout fixture was undoubtedly a 7-0 demolition at Poolfoot Farm, in which Lewis Leigh scored a screamer that was nominated for the LFE Goal of the Month.
The following Saturday, PNE will contest a less than friendly match against Blackpool, again at Springfields at 10.30am.
The Tangerines were one of the stronger sides in the EFL Youth Alliance league last season, finishing third as well as winning the Lancashire FA Pro-Youth Cup, so it promises to be an entertaining affair.
On Saturday 23rd July, the young Lilywhites will make the trip to South Yorkshire to face Huddersfield Town at the Canalside Sports Complex for an 11am kick-off.
Last season, they faced the Terriers in the Youth Alliance Cup quarter-final and recorded a 3-1 victory with goals coming from Leigh, Noah Mawene and Aaron Bennett.
The U19s conclude their pre-season with a fixture against Wigan Athletic. The match will take place at 10.30am on Saturday 30th July, with the venue still to be confirmed.
As a Category Two Academy side competing in the Professional Development League, the Latics will provide a tough test for Nick Harrison’s side in their final match before the 2022/23 season begins.
Supporters will be able to attend all home friendlies taking place at Springfields, while access to the away fixtures are at the discretion of each club.