Preston North End cruise past Bamber Bridge

Preston North End have picked up the first win of their pre-season courtesy of a 4-0 victory over non-League side Bamber Bridge at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

Preston, who will return to the Championship in the upcoming campaign following a four-year absence, threatened through Andrew Little twice in the opening 15 minutes as first the striker came close with a header before firing another effort narrowly wide.

Ally Waddecar sent a long-range strike narrowly over for the hosts during that spell too, but Brig soon found themselves behind when Joe Garner tucked home the opening goal from the penalty spot.

That advantage was doubled right on the stroke of half time when Jermaine Beckford finished from close range after Lee Dovey in the Brig goal had kept out the initial effort.

Preston picked up where they left off at the start of the second half and were three ahead just four minutes after the restart as Kyel Reid latched on to Bailey Wright's through-ball before finding the top corner.

Reid turned provider for the fourth 20 minutes from time, finding the head of Jordan Hugill, who tucked away the pinpoint pass at the far post.

That proved to be the last of the scoring as Preston saw out a comfortable victory over their local opponents.