Magpies lost to Preston North End 3-0 despite a spirited first half performance.
Magpies went down 3-0 to Preston, all three goals coming in the second half after both teams made changes to their initial line-ups.
The Magpies more than matched their illustrious opponents with a spirited first half performance, with arguably the Magpies creating the more dangerous opportunities.
Preston had the first chance on goal, with a close range shot by O'Neill, which was well saved by Hankins starting in goal for Magpies. The best chance of the first half though came to Magpies, a great build up play from the back led to Garcia finding Storer, who turned and fed a delightful through ball that split the Preston defence to Giraldez, who just could not put the ball round the on rushing Preston Goal Keeper Woodman making a fine save himself.
Woodman again was called into action from a long range shot by Storer, but it ended going wide past the post with Woodman having the goal covered. The last chance of the game came to Preston who had a free-kick just outside of the box, but Brady's effort was comfortably tipped over the bar for a corner by Hankins.
At half time, both teams made changes, Preston naming another younger side, and Magpies also changing 6 players, with a hint of youth also.
The second half started, and continued as the first half with both teams controlling possession from time to time from each other, however the Lilywhites youngsters were more aggressive and pressed harder than the first half pros, they were to take the lead by turning over a mistake by the Magpies defense, with 16 Year Old Rodriguez-Gentle slotting the ball into the bottom right corner past substitute keeper Silva.
Boyd by scoring first, Preston youngsters pressed harder, and were to add two further quick goals through Mawene, a clever swivel and bottom corner finish, and Taylor curling the ball from the edge of the box past the diving Silva.
Magpies then changed their shape, and made further changes to personnel to see out the game.
After the Game Manager Cortijo was pleased despite the defeat "I thought first half we matched them stride for stride, effort and tenacity, which showed with us creating the better chances of the game. Second half was not as good, but it comes down to in experience from youngsters, and making mistakes in the wrong areas of the pitch, but this what pre-season is all about, working and correcting the mistakes, but what I saw in the first half really encouraged me for the game against Dundalk. My focus is now on them, but I want to put on record my thanks to Preston North End, their fans for turning up in the hundreds, creating a great atmosphere, and I wish them all the best in the league next season".
The Magpies now return to training in the lead up to the big game against Dundalk on Thursday 13th July.
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