Preston North End have recorded their third pre-season win on the bounce, seeing off Southport 4-0 at Haig Avenue tonight.
The newly-promoted Championship side were without the likes of Joe Garner, Jermaine Beckford and Paul Gallagher, all of whom were rested following recent run-outs.
An entertaining opening to the half gave way to a period of Preston pressure, which culminated in Kyel Reid swinging in a dangerous ball that just evaded the head of Bailey Wright.
Neil Kilkenny was the next visiting player to come close, narrowly missing the target with his long-range drive, while Josh Brownhill's attempt lacked the pace to find a way through.
Preston did manage to break the deadlock before the interval, though, as Calum Woods raced to the byline before picking out Jordan Hugill to open the scoring.
Brownhill was involved in the build-up to the first goal, and he also played a key part in the second by finding Andrew Little, who did the rest from inside the box to make it two.
National League side Southport made a raft of changes on the hour, yet it did little to help them grow into things as Manchester United product Will Keane added a third from close range.
Jack Ryan was denied a goal of his own by the offside flag, but Brownhill himself got in on the act when driving the ball in off the post in the closing stages.
Daniel Lewis
