Report: Preston North End U18s 2-0 Bristol City U18s

The young Robins have exited the FA Youth Cup following a 2-0 defeat away to the Lilywhites on Monday evening (December 16th).

Preston struck late in either half, opening the scores through Joe Nolan on the stroke of half-time, with Jacob Holland-Wilkinson doubling their lead with a little over 10 minutes remaining at Deepdale.

Robins goalkeeper Will Buse was in fine form to keep the scores goalless, denying Brian McManus and Tyrhys Dolan before the hosts’ pressure told. The opener came from a Dolan cross and after a mini scramble in the penalty area, Nolan volleyed the ball into the net to gift the young Lilywhites the lead.

City would improve after the break, but chances came at a premium before Holland-Wilkinson’s shot from the edge of the area found the top right-hand side of Buse’s goal, with Preston sealing their spot in the fourth round.

Speaking after the full-time whistle, Probert said: “It was a better second half but credit goes to Preston North End. They are a good side who scored two well-taken goals tonight.

“We couldn’t get going in the first half and while we improved after half-time, we gave ourselves too much to do. It’s disappointing but the players have to learn from this quickly and use this as motivation going forwards as they progress in their careers.

“A special thanks goes to Assistant Head Coach Jamie McAllister. It was great to have his support here tonight for our players and reinforce the strong link between the Academy and the first team.”

City v Preston: Buse, Towler, C Pearson, Owers, Low, James Taylor, Jamie Taylor, S Pearson, Soady (Francois 46), Conway (Benarous 80), Bell. Subs not used: Smith, Lott, Henry, Gould, Allen.