THE girls were looking forward to this game after last week's win against Hindley and Preston had more possession and played the better football in the first 15 minutes.

Nicola Rawlinson saw two great shots fizz just the wrong side of the post.

But Hopwood created their own chances, and only a great save from Carissa Ionnene kept the scores level.

This gave the girls a lift and Preston scored from their next attack. Danielle Moran passed to Nicola Rawlinson who created room and set up Charlotte Bolan who slammed the ball into the back of the net.

With a resolute defence Preston doubled their tally when Nicola Rawlinson finished calmly after creating space for herself.

But just on half-time Preston lost concentration and Hopwood made them pay with a well-taken goal.

Preston still looked comfortable in the early stages of the second-half, but as time went on Hopwood, a taller team by far, started to look the stronger side.

Hopwood equalised and the third and decisive strike was a long range shot that found its way through a lot of players to beat Preston's unsighted keeper.

Preston North End U12 Whites 2 Hopwood Girls 3