PRESTON maintained their unbeaten record but not without a fight against a skilful and well-organised Bowdon team.

And Preston can thank Mark Fletcher, who travelled over 100 miles to play in Saturday's fixture, after he notched the equaliser in a highly charged contest with only minutes left.

Fletcher's last gasp strike completed a superb comeback following an explosive start from Bowdon who raced into a three goal lead.

But the tenacious qualities of Preston were in evidence again as they dramatically rescued a point in front of a large crowd at West Cliff. And with Bebington to come on Saturday Preston can look to extend their lead at the top once more.

Bowdon's forward line caused multiple problems with their pace and power and it was a harsh lesson in senior hockey to some of the more inexperienced players in the Preston line up.

Midge Midgley scored the first two of Bowdon's goals both from penalty corners.

Bowdon then moved into what seemed a match winning position when Ben Clark added the third after some sloppy Preston defence.

At 3-0 the game seemed over but 14-year-old Phil Rowlands quickly readdressed the situation with a fine run and cross which found Phil Bowman who scored from close range.

And after the interval Preston became a side possessed as they yearned to narrow the deficit.After constant pressure on the Bowdon goal it seemed like a lost cause.

But when Sam Sinclair was upended outside the D Preston won the first of a series of short corners. And after a couple of blocked attempts Luke Wilson gleefully swept home at the far post to set up a thrilling climax.

With their tails up Preston laid seige on the Bowdon goal and amidst the scramble skipper Nick Sutcliffe fired agonisingly against the post.

Sutcliffe looked away in disappointment as the ball rebounded off the post and then onto the keepers pads seemingly to safety -- cue Fletcher who arrived in the nick of time to fire home the precious equaliser.

Preston 3 Bowdon 2nd's 3