PRESTON extended their unbeaten league run and opened up a two point gap at the top of the table as fellow contenders Bebington could only draw.

Winnington have been regarded as a bogey team due to their uncomprising style of play.

But this revamped Preston side, with a heavy accent on youth, put paid to any lingering doubts thanks in the main to two goals by captain Richard Sullivan.

Preston began confidently by starving their hosts of possession but frustratingly did not create any real clear cut opportunities.

Ironically the first genuine opening fell to former Preston player Ed Dutton but he was denied by Simon Eccleston who made a fantastic diving save to his right. That save acted as a catalyst as Preston moved up a gear and Adam Wilson, leading the attack in the absence of the injured Phil Bowman, quickly won their first short corner.

And with his first effort Sullivan took Preston into the lead with a superbly executed shot into the bottom corner.

Minutes later Wilson got onto the scoresheet himself after a quickly taken free hit by Mark Fletcher allowed him enough space in the D to flick past the keeper.

At 2-0 the points were in effect secured as anytime Winnington did attack they were quickly broken down by Ian Brown whose tackling was of the highest quality all afternoon. The second half saw Preston continue to play keep ball and inevitably the hosts began to tire. Enjoying the space in midfield Sam Sinclair began to run the ball deep into Winnington territory to win a second short corner.

From this skipper Sullivan made no mistake as he drove his seventh goal of the season past the goalkeeper. Preston then simply kept possession and naturally won a number of penalty corners.

But some fine goalkeeping and desperate defending kept the scoreline to repsectful proportions.

Winnington Park 0 Preston 3

This weekend Preston face Plas Coch, who have begun the season well, at West Cliff for a 2.15pm push back.

On Sunday Preston return to HA Trophy action with a mouthwatering home fixture against North Notts who are currently leading the Midlands Premier Division with a 2pm push back.