Preston North End U19s got back to winning ways as they came out 4-0 winners over Stockport County at Springfields.
Braces for both Kitt Nelson and Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile saw North End cruise to victory, helped by Kacper Pasiek who picked up a hat-trick of assists from the left wing-back position.
North End were the side on top right from the off and never took their foot of the gas. The ball was being moved at a fast and slick pace as Cole McGhee had the first effort of the game, which he fired over from distance.
After just eight minutes the Lilywhites took the lead through Rodriguez-Gentile, who controlled the ball well to take it around his man, and he fired an effort across goal, leaving Reece Trueman in the Stockport goal no chance.
North End nearly doubled their lead when the young Brazilian goalscorer rose above everyone to head an effort towards goal, however Trueman was able to claim comfortably.
On the 30-minute mark, North End did add a second, after Pasiek showed great work and hustle to head the ball forward towards Nelson, who took a couple of touches before firing into the near post, past the ‘keeper.
The Lilywhites were able to crown a superb first half by adding a third as Pasiek and Nelson linked up once again. The left wing-back drove down the left and put a cross into the box which Nelson brought down to fire past Trueman.
As the second half began, North End continued where they left off. Once again Pasiek got down the left-hand side where he was having so much joy, he crossed the ball in, and Rodriguez-Gentile was able to head home at the back post.
Captain Noah Mawene tried getting in on the action as he fired an effort wide, before North End made a triple substitution which saw Lewis Leigh make way as he completed 60 minutes after a lengthy spell out with an injury.
The Lilywhites continued to attack as they looked to add to their lead, however they had to settle for four as the referee blew the full-time whistle.
Coach Andy Fensome felt this game was a “good reaction” after a tough week.
“I think this was overdue to be honest,” said Fensome.
“It’s always nice to win games and I thought the boys were excellent.
“Last week was poor and we told them that, so it was good to see them bounce back.
“Lewis Leigh is a really good player so it was good to see him back. I think his return helped out a lot of the other lads too with their confidence.”
Nelson, Pasiek and Rodriguez-Gentile were the standouts today and Fensome was full of praise.
“Kacper was really good today, he played to his strengths and was rewarded for it,” continued Fensome.
“Kitt and Felipe aren’t the biggest, but they have great movement, they get behind defences and they also create for other people.
“I’m really pleased they got two goals each but I’m slightly disappointed because they both could have had hat-tricks.”