THE CREDENTIALS of Preston's 1st XI were given their sternest test so far in their busy pre-season programme last Saturday at West Cliff.

And despite this narrow defeat against Lytham, the cream of Preston's youth displayed all the rudimentary skills required to prosper in senior hockey this season.

It was one of the more experienced players, Phil Bowman, who opened the scoring with his trademark reverse stick shot defeating a started goalkeeper.

With this early goal Preston grew in confidence and Sam Sinclair, who produced a polished display in central midfield, was at the heart of everything good for the home side. Indeed, it was Sinclair dovetailing perfectly with David Sullivan who fashioned several openings from which both Adam Wilson and Phil Bowman failed to capitalise on

Despite this unrelenting pressure Lytham stood firm and were soon awarded a penalty stroke.

From an aborted short corner, the Preston defence failed to clear their lines and a goalbound shot accidentally struck Bowman's foot on the line. David Robbins made no mistake from the resultant stroke.

The remainder of the first half saw Preston's defence led by their combative skipper Richard Sullivan, repel the visitors constant raids on goal.

When Lytham did breach the home defence, goalkeeper Simon Eccleston was on hand to snuff out any impending danger.

However, soon after the interval Lytham established their lead with a well taken short corner routine which left Eccleston with no chance.

This goal clearly rattled the Preston side and it was the exuberant midfield trio of Sullivan, Sinclair and Phil Rowlands that orchestrated the equalising goal.

It was a neat interchange of play between Rowlands and Sinclair that allowed Bowman the space to fire home another reverse stick shot.

From here the game intensified in its ferocity and purpose. But the young Preston outfit buoyed by their second goal, simply stepped up another gear and matched their local rivals all the way to the final moments of the game.

David Sullivan, who had played with such poise and maturity on the left of midfield, mistimed a recovery tackle and another stroke was awarded. Robbins completed the win with only seconds remaining on the clock.

Saturday sees the return of Mark Fletcher, Chris Neath, Ian Brown and Luke Wilson to the 1st XI squad for the final pre-season game against Warrington.

RESULT: Preston 2 Lytham St Annes 3