PRESTON 1st XI enjoyed mixed fortunes in their double-header of games played over the weekend.

In their first fixture against potential league rivals Morecambe, the 1st XI narrowly lost 2-1 but quickly eradicated that defeat with a comprehensive 11-3 victory over Airedale.

With a squad consisting of only four players over the age of 19, the emphasis was clearly on giving the club's many talented youngsters valuable 1st XI action in preparation for the league programme.

In the afternoon's first encounter Preston were again let down defensively as Morecambe snatched an early lead following some indecision in the home defence. The youth of the side led Preston back into the game with Dipesh Patel, who excelled at left half, releasing David Sullivan who in turn fed Phil Bowman and he made no mistake with a powerfully hit reverse stick shot. Preston pressed forward and were unlucky not to take the lead as Adam Wilson had a goal disallowed. But Morecambe regained the ascendancy after half-time with a scrambled goal following a half cleared short corner routine. From here Preston took control of the game and again it was Adam Wilson who nearly engineered a deserved second goal. After being sent through Mark Fletcher, he cooly rounded the keeper and with an open goal at his mercy was denied by the hand of a Morecambe defender.

On Saturday Preston welcome Lytham St Annes to West Cliff for a 2.15pm push back. Simon Eccleston, having finished his cricketing duties for the season, returns to his role as 1st XI goalkeeper and talisman.

RESULTS: Preston 1 Morecambe 2

Preston 11 Airedale 3