Outstanding Tranmere youngsters overcome Preston North End

Feb 11 2010 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

TRANMERE’S youngsters produced an outstanding performance to take the Puma Youth Alliance points from Northwest Conference leaders Preston.

Rovers, fielding a strong side, were three goals up soon after the hour mark thanks to strikes by Max Power (28 minutes), Jack Mackreth (52) and Jay Gibbs (61).

Preston pulled a goal back on 73 minutes through Jamie Proctor and the visitors lost some composure after Power was sent off for retaliation. Rovers conceded a second goal to Proctor on 85 minutes but held on for a merited victory that delighted head of youth Kenny Shiels.

“Some of the football lads played was exceptional,” Shiels said. “The movement was good and they supported the play well.

“We did lose some control of the game after the sending off but dealing with a 10 men versus 11 situation was a good learning curve for the boys.”

Tranmere visit Oldham Athletic on Saturday.