PRESTON NORTH END U16S 6, BURY 1

DESPITE the one-sided scoreline the early stages of this game proved to a very evenly fought contest.

Both defences were well on top and it wasn't until the 25th minute that Preston took the lead, converting their first real chance of the game.

Midfielder Natalie Brewer played super through ball which was met and well converted by Joanne Ball.

However, the lead was not to last for long as within two minutes Bury levelled the score when a speculative shot deceived the PNE keeper.

Five minutes before half-time Preston scored again to go 2-1 ahead.

The Bury defence was unable to clear a Gemma Turner free-kick and Natalie Brewer won the ball in the opposition area and kept her nerve to cooly stroke the ball home.

Preston were in no mood to relinquish their lead again and were now dominating the game, missing several good chances to increase the score further. But just before the half-time whistle Clare McDonnell played an exquisite through ball to allow Joanne Ball to sprint through the Bury defence.

From there she easily scored past the advancing keeper.

The second-half startred as the first had ended, with Preston in complete control.

Charlotte Benson played a lovely ball out wide to the impressive Joanne Ball who pulled the ball back for Gemma Turner to score easily from eight yards.

Preston then made it five with the goal of the game.

Laura Cain broke through the Bury offside trap and scored with a delightfully cheeky chip from 25 yards leaving the advancing Bury keeper with no chance.

Preston completed the scoring when Natalie Brewer set up Gemma Turner who again scored by chipping the advancing keeper.

A great team performance was a fitting end to another great season for PNE.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.