PRESTON Hockey Club first XI slipped to a 4-5 defeat in their opening pre-season match against Nelson and Rossendale.

Despite dominating most of the game they were unable to convert a number of chances they created.

Preston took the lead early in the first half with a well executed penalty corner routine in which acting captain Richard Sullivan added the finishing touch.

However, Nelson struck back in quick succession with two breakaway goals to secure a 2-1 half-time lead.

This lead was extended further after the interval following another successful counter-attack which caught the Preston defence on the back foot.

It was 14 year old England trialist Adam Wilson who brought Preston back into the game with a simple tap-in following good work by Philip Bowman and David Sullivan.

However, Preston were undone again, this time through a slick short-corner move and Nelson had their two goal lead restored.

Once again Preston struck back this time through Phil Bowman who wriggled his way through a packed defence and smashed the ball past a stranded keeper.

Preston, committing players forward in search of an equaliser, were inevitably punished at the back again as Nelson were gifted their fifth and decisive goal following a defensive mistake.

There was time though, for Adam Wilson to score adroitly from a tight angle in the final minutes to make Nelson sweat for their victory.

This Saturday Preston welcome both Morecambe and Halifax to West Cliff in back-to-back fixtures for the first eleven.

Push back is 2.15pm for the first game.

Following the games a barbecue is being held which all members and prospective members are welcome to attend.