PRESTON resumed customary service following their winter break as they handed out a nine goal thrashing to lowly Winnington.

Both Philip Bowman and James Blackburn scored hat-tricks as Preston enhanced their already impressive goal difference with their most comprehensive victory of the season.

The scoreline was made all the more pleasing after Winnington had held the league leaders at bay for the opening 20 minutes.

However their resilience was gradually eroded away as Preston's midfield eventually opened up a tiring defence. Adam Wilson was the first beneficiary as he rattled the backboard with a superb reverse stick shot. This was the signal for Preston to step up a gear and they did so with ruthless efficiency.

Jimmy Blackburn scored twice from close range following some good build up play by Bowman and Luke Wilson.

Wilson enjoyed a new lease of life on the right wing as he continually drifted in from the flank to win a series of short corners.

Bowman then effectively sealed the points as he opened his account for the day by sweeping in a centre from Wilson.

But not content with four goals, Preston went for the jugular and were duly rewarded for their attacking ambition by scoring at regular intervals in the second half

Sam Sinclair slotted home from a short corner before adding a penalty stroke to take Preston to six.

The 'Crazy Gang', aka Bowman and Blackburn, then added the gloss to the victory by claiming their hat-tricks with their very own masterclass of finishing.

Preston 9 Winnington Park 0