ACCRINGTON Stanley’s Reserve string started their Central League Division One West season with defeat at Irongate as a young Preston North End side came out on top with a 3-1 win.
Stanley handed starts to John Mullin, who is on the come back from an ankle injury picked up in training, number two keeper Ian Dunbavin and new signing Folawiyo Onibuje.
Accrington took the lead though after 18 minutes, with young striker Chris Turner, turning his man before striking the ball from the edge of the North End area beating goalkeeper Andrew Murphy, but it was all level again soon after.
Neil Dougan converted former Burnley youngster Rob Turner’s goal bound header, flicking the ball over Dunbavin from close range. North End captain Nathan Fairhurst had the best chance of the match to put the Lilywhites ahead after Turner had fouled Dougan, but Dunbavin stopped the penalty fantastically.
Dominic Collins did finally double the Championship side’s lead, firing his shot through a crowded Stanley penalty area to beat Dunbavin, who couldn’t see the ball because of the bodies in front of him.
Young first year professional Peter Murphy completed North End’s scoring seven minutes from time converting the ball past his own keeper after Sam Hart’s ball into the box.
PNE: Murphy, Stott, Collins, Smyth, Hart, Miller, Adam Barton (Owens 81), Fairhurst, Mayor, Turner, Dougan (Conchie 70).
ubs not used: Ciaron Barton, Cudworth, Davidson.
Accrington: Dunbavin, Bell, Murphy, Hutton, Ami, Anderson, Turner, Mullin (Macnamara 56), Onibuje, Smith (Wilson 70), Strode (Hart 46). Sub not used: Reilly.
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