[themaclad]

Preston North End will take on Italian opponents for the first time in the club’s history this weekend as Fiorentina come to Lancashire.

In Fiorentina, North End are taking on a side who have twice come moments away from glory in the previous two seasons, having reached back-to-back UEFA Conference League finals, but lost both in the very late stages.

They’ve had a change in the dugout over the summer, with former Italy international Raffaele Palladino taking over the side which finished eighth in Serie A last season.

Fiorentina have also added a few new faces to the squad, including former Everton forward Moise Kean and Croatian defender Marin Pongračić.

The Italian side have been training in Preston all week and face Bolton Wanderers on Friday night, before heading to Deepdale, and they’ll then take on Hull City on Tuesday.

For PNE and Ryan Lowe, pre-season so far has been used to offer minutes to the entire squad with wholesale changes being made in each fixture, although the manager is likely to go strong for this friendly given the start of the campaign is now just two weeks away.

[themaclad]

PNE 2 Lindsay Keane Fiorentina 1 Mandragora

New hope, new ways of annoying me, roadworks Garstang Road, tradition, new ticketing system, first ticket, didn't work, replacement ticket did though however the gate shut atbrapid knots so couldn't get in, was then descanned out before finally managing to get in, next misery no John Smith's just the fizzy more expensive forign carp. Glass of wine then.
Pitch looked in good nick and we have new LED floodlights

By the time the game kicked off the sun was shining down a rarity this year. The visitors sporting the finest shirt in footbvall history won the toss and had the temerity to have us playing towards the Town End in the first half.

The first half was entertaining at times we played some decent stuff but they were rapid on the break. Of the two new players Greenwood shone plenty of work rate on and off the ball. Nearly conceded in the first 30 seconds wayward pass by Mads FJ shot from the edge of the box tipped round by Woodman, plenty of end stuff the number 99 looked a lively forward ran at pace against our ever so speedy defence, did well to survive some early forays before taking the lead from a corner, keeper thought he had been fould but he seemed to kick the ball against Lindsay and in it went, didn't lead for long, fast break men in hand strategic foul by Lindsay edge of the box, Mandragora the Italian skipper blasted home as the edge of the defensive wall collapsed.

Re took the lead good play down the left by Brady, Mads FJ and Thor led to Keane scoring at the second attempt, should have been all square at the break good move down our right hand side but 65 blasted over the bar from close range.

In fairness they dominated the second period and employed a shoot to miss policy, Woodman great save to deny one Italian effort, we then had our best period of play but when the move broke down away scampered Firoentina neat interchange of passing no 99 about to pull the trigger great tackle by Brady or so I thought, Mr Langford gives a penalty.The Number 99 sends it to Woodman's left tips it onto the post to safety. They hit the bar and Moise Kean missed two chances one he intercepted a shocking backpass by Greenwood took the ball passed Woodman and from a tight angle and rolls thye ball narrowly passed the far post, near the end when through tried to lob Woodman sent his effort just too high.
Useful workout but other teams will punish us if we let them create so many chances.

DODO No 2

PNE line-up: Woodman; Whatmough (Storey, 72), Lindsay, Hughes; Potts, Whiteman, Thórdarson (Ledson, 72), Brady (Best, 84); Greenwood (T.Mawene, 90+1), Frøkjær (Holmes, 64); Keane (Riis, 63). Unused subs: Cornell, Pradic, N.Mawene, Pasiek.

Attendance: 5,516 (70 Fiorentina fans).



Stood next to a Fiorentina fan whilst changing my ticket finest Glasweigian accent ever no doubt sells ice cream

Fantastic view

Ryan Lowe felt his side were impressive with and without the ball in the 2-1 victory over Fiorentina.

North End came out on top against the Serie A outfit thanks to first-half goals from Liam Lindsay and Will Keane.

As a side who have made it to back-to-back UEFA Conference League finals, the Italian visitors were always going to be a stern test, but the gaffer was pleased with his team’s performance.

Ryan said: “It was a great exercise. Like I’ve said all along in pre-season – yeah, it’s nice when you win, especially at home – but pre-season’s all about getting minutes in the legs as we know. Getting the volume in and working on some patterns of play.

“The lads were excellent and did that, the starters and the finishers. We’re really pleased, scored two good goals. The goals came from stuff that we’ve been working on.

“I’ve just said to the lads you’ve got your goals from that, so if you continue to do that good stuff then that’s where you’ll get some success, so fair play.”

Fiorentina did have their chances on the day, with Freddie Woodman coming to North End’s rescue on a few occasions – notably in the second half when he saved Christian Kouame’s penalty.

Coming up against a side who were expected to see more of the ball was something the manager wanted, so he could see his side work on out-of-possession tactics, however PNE worked the ball well themselves at Deepdale.


Ryan said: “They’re a team that have finished in the final of a European competition the past two years on the bounce. They’ve got some good players, I know it’s probably a mixture a little bit.

“We had to see the game out towards the back end and we spoke to the lads then about what that will look like next time. If we can get pressure on the ball, do we have a low block and work on stuff like that. We can always get better.

“We had large parts of the ball as well and when we had it we looked a threat with it so we’ll keep working on it for the next ten days and hopefully bring it to fruition on the Friday night [against Sheffield United].”

Another positive to take was that everyone involved seemed to get through unscathed, although Ali McCann and Milutin Osmajić were again absent from the start.

Ryan explained: “Milly will hopefully be involved on Tuesday. Ali’s had a little bit of a calf strain so we’ll wrap him up in cotton wool a little bit.

“He’ll hopefully be on the grass next week. If he’s around for the first game, we don’t know yet. We’ll have to keep monitoring him, but he’s getting better day by day.

“He’s doing a lot of stuff off the grass. Milly will train fully Monday, he had a nerve in his back but we’ll hopefully get him some minutes on Tuesday.”

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[themaclad]

Salford City
Moor Lane 7.45 30/7/2024

GROUND

Moor Lane, known as the Peninsula Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is a football ground in the Kersal area of Salford, Greater Manchester, England, which has a capacity of 5,108 and is the home of Salford City Football Club.

https://www.salfordcityfc.co.uk/

History
Salford City moved to Moor Lane in 1978,[4] but it had been a venue for other sports for many years before; Manchester Rugby Club played there from 1908 until 1969.[5] (Also home Ground for Heys Boys County Secondary School Rugby Teams)

In 2016, renovation work began, which saw its capacity rise from 1,600 to 5,108, including 2,246 seats.[6]

In 2017, the renovated stadium was reopened by Alex Ferguson, with Peninsula Business Services as sponsors.[7] In 2019, the stadium hosted a semi-professional international fixture between England C and Wales C.[8][9] The record attendance at the ground is 4,518 on 13 August 2019, a 3–0 loss to Leeds United in the EFL Cup first round.[10]

MANAGER

Karl Robinson (born 13 September 1980) is an English professional football manager and former player. He is currently head coach of EFL League Two club Salford City.

Robinson began his managerial career aged 29, spending six years with Milton Keynes Dons and guiding them to the Championship in 2015. Robinson was sacked the following year, and was appointed manager of Charlton Athletic soon after. After spending 18 months at the club, he departed for Oxford United, where he spent five years and guided the club to two play-off campaigns before eventually being sacked.

Opinion has changed over the years in reygard to Robbo, think he's a decent manager, also he has an interest in non league football, did stand in front of him at a Lancaster always thought woud have been a good fit for our job.



Previous

Played them in the league cup last season dreww 2-2 we lost on penalties

JOY OF EX

Ben Woodburn and Jamie Jones

HISTORY BIT

Kersal Priory in the township of Kersal,[1] also known as St Leornards, classed as an Alien priory or hermitage, was populated by Cluniac monks. The priory was dependent on Lenton in Nottinghamshire. Founded between 1145 and 1453, it was granted title by Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester sometime after 1143, became denizen independent from 1392, and was dissolved in 1538. One of the buildings, Kersal Cell, is still extant; a Grade II* listed building,[2] it is now a private residence.

EVERTON
DEEPDALE 3/8/2024 15.00 HOURS

https://www.evertonfc.com/

MANAGER

Sean Mark Dyche (/daɪtʃ/;[3] born 28 June 1971) is an English professional football manager and former player who is the manager of Premier League club Everton.

During his playing career, Dyche played as a centre-back, making his professional debut in 1990 and representing Chesterfield – whom he captained and scored for in an FA Cup semi-final. Other teams he has played for include Bristol City, Luton Town, Millwall, Watford and Northampton Town. He was promoted with three of his six clubs. After retiring as a player in 2007, he coached at Watford, including a stint as manager between June 2011 and July 2012.

After leaving Watford, Dyche signed for Burnley in October 2012. During his time there Dyche guided the club to two promotions to the Premier League in three seasons, the latter following relegation back to the Championship at the end of 2014–15. Following the relegation of Bournemouth and their manager Eddie Howe at the end of the 2019–20 season, Dyche became the longest-serving manager in the Premier League. He was dismissed by Burnley in April 2022, after they had performed poorly throughout the season. Dyche then joined Everton in January 2023.

LIKE Robbo have a bit of time for Dyche, tells it how it is although his teams play alehouse stuff but it works

NEWBIES



PREVIOUS



Competitive games as rare as hen's teeth

MACS VIEW

The final act in the pre season, yes it's all about fitness, but we do seem to have a wafer thin squad, can't help but think a poor start and Fantastic will be out before the end of August
But the phoney war is nearly over, the Blunts a week on Friday is when it will count

[themaclad]

[themaclad]

1 up at half time Brady

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2-0 Osmajic

[themaclad]

A stunning strike from Robbie Brady and a late effort from Milutin Osmajić earned Preston North End a 2-0 victory against Salford City.

Ryan Lowe’s side created a host of chances in the first half and took the lead with the last action of it, as Brady sent a superb effort into the bottom corner.

PNE could have extended their advantage through the likes of Ben Whiteman and Duane Holmes, but it wasn’t until the 85th minute when Milutin Osmajić scored on his return from injury.

North End were on the front foot right from the start and so nearly found the lead within the opening two minutes, but Holmes couldn’t quite beat the goalkeeper to reach Emil Riis’ cross.

Brad Potts was then twice involved soon after, firstly seeing an effort blocked, and in the same minute he laid it off for Brady, who fired a strike over the bar.

There was a scare at the other end as a defensive mix-up almost allowed Dan Chesters an easy finish, but Kian Best was there to block off the line.

Riis was proving lively and causing problems, forcing Matty Young into a decent save, and later pulling back for Potts who in turn passed it on to Sam Greenwood, and the forward perhaps should have done better from ten yards.

North End’s deserved opener would eventually arrive right on the stroke of half-time, though, courtesy of a stunning strike from Brady, which was rocketed into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.



PNE continued to attack well in the early stages after half-time and would have had a second were it not for a top save by Young to deny Whiteman on the counter.

It looked as though Greenwood was denied by one of his teammates just after the hour mark as a few bodies got in the way of his effort, while in the opposite goal Dai Cornell made himself big to prevent Cole Stockton levelling.

Brady – influential all night long – played a super ball through to Holmes in the 69th minute, but the American was thwarted only by a last-ditch defensive block.

Given the chances created, Ryan Lowe’s side probably would have been disappointed to walk away with just a 1-0 victory, and they were therefore pleased when a slammed, low cross from Frøkjær was finished off by Osmajić, in amongst a number of bodies inside the area.

PNE line-up: Cornell; Storey, Lindsay (Whatmough, 71), Best (Pasiek, 83); Potts (T.Mawene, 85), Whiteman (Frøkjær, 57), Ledson (N.Mawene, 85), Brady (Hughes, 71); Holmes, Greenwood (Keane, 71); Riis (Osmajić, 71). Unused subs: Pradic, Thórdarson.

FANTASTIC SAYS

Speaking after the victory over Salford City, manager Ryan Lowe praised North End’s two goalscorers, Robbie Brady and Milutin Osmajić.

The left wing-back opened the scoring right on the stroke of half-time with a superb strike from 20 yards, before the Montenegrin forward doubled PNE’s lead late on.

It wasn’t Brady’s first of pre-season, having netted an incredible lob in the behind-closed-doors friendly against Liverpool, and he’s been earning plaudits for his performances in general.

Ryan said: “He's been fantastic. This is the first time really that he’s been through a full pre-season [with us] and I think you can see that.

“He went away with Ireland at the end of the season. We gave him an extra couple of days off to go on holiday with the family and I think it’s worked well for him.

“We want to keep on top of him; he’s doing the right things. He’s a top professional as everyone knows. You don’t play at the highest level if you’re not.

“His quality is showing through. We’re getting him higher up the pitch where we know he’s got that goal threat and we’re really pleased he’s got a couple of goals and hopefully he can continue that.”

The second of the evening came from North End’s No.28 on his return to the side, having missed the previous few matches with a back injury.


His goal came about after good work down the right from Mads Frøkjær, and the striker – in amongst a number of bodies – scooped the ball up into the roof of the net from close range.

Ryan said: “I’m not bothered how the goal is. Marshy turned around and said, ‘There you go gaffer, the strikers are where you want them.’

“Two of them were in between the goalposts. If you’re in between the goalposts you get an opportunity, it’s as simple as that. All the best strikers get in there.

“Yeah it was scruffy, it probably hit his ankle, but I’m not bothered as long as the ball hits the back of the net.

“It was nice to see him get more minutes than we probably expected because he has that little niggle in his back, but yeah a goal for him and hopefully that’ll give him a bit of confidence.”

All in all, the runout at the Peninsula Stadium was an entertaining watch which arguably could have seen North End come away with a greater scoreline.

Ryan said: “It was competitive and that’s what we want. Karl [Robinson] has put a good team together here, a good squad who will definitely compete in League Two I’m sure.

“He’s a top coach and a top manager. We knew it was going to be competitive hence why we wanted to come in our second-to-last game before the season starts.

[themaclad]

PNE 0 EVERTON 3

Preston North End’s pre-season campaign came to an end with a 3-0 defeat at home to Everton.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty sent the Toffees into the break with a lead, before good strikes from Jake O’Brien and Jesper Lindstrøm extended their advantage in the second half.

PNE’s best chances of the day fell to Brad Potts and Ryan Ledson, but they were denied in the final preparation fixture.

North End had the first half-chance of the day seven minutes in when Will Keane beat his brother, Michael in the air to head into the hands of Joao Virgínia, while Dai Cornell held on to a Vitalii Mykolenko effort at the other end.

PNE’s goalkeeper had a much greater task on 20 minutes to keep out Calvert-Lewin from the penalty spot, after the striker was brought down by Liam Lindsay, but Everton’s No.9 sent Cornell the wrong way and opened the scoring.

Potts almost had an instant response for North End as he was sent on his way down the right by Ledson, and the wing-back saw his low, driven effort across goal saved by Virgínia.

Everton’s ‘keeper then came up with an outstanding stop in the 29th minute to claw a Ledson header off the line, when it looked for anything that he was beaten.



A clever touch by Lindstrøm caught out PNE in the 42nd minute as he made his way into the area, only for Cornell to parry his effort away, and in the same attack Calvert-Lewin dragged a low shot wide.

After the break, it was North End creating all the early chances. Robbie Brady fired over in the opening stages and Sam Greenwood then called Virgínia into action 54 minutes in with a header.

Despite the pressure from Ryan Lowe’s side, it was the visitors who scored next just after the hour mark as new signing O’Brien sent a low, powerful effort beyond Cornell from 20 yards.

It was an even better strike which made it three as Lindstrøm dipped a free-kick over the wall and into the back of the net.

The last 20 minutes of the game didn’t see much in the way of chances as both sides made a number of changes, albeit Beto could have scored in the final minute of the game.

All eyes will now be on next Friday for North End, with the Lilywhites opening the Sky Bet Championship campaign at home to Sheffield United.

PNE line-up: Cornell; Whatmough, Lindsay (Storey, 71), Hughes; Potts (T.Mawene, 87), Whiteman (N.Mawene, 87), Ledson (Thórdarson, 71), Brady (Best, 81); Greenwood (Osmajić, 71), Frøkjær (Riis, 45); Keane (Holmes, 81). Subs: Pradic, Pasiek.

Referee: Mr A Backhouse.

Attendance: 12,337 (5,724 Everton fans).

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A FANTASTIC VIEW

Ryan Lowe is hopeful Freddie Woodman will be available to feature in the opening game of the Sky Bet Championship season.

North End’s No.1 pulled out of the warm-up against Salford City due to illness, and he was again missing in the 3-0 defeat to Everton on Saturday.

That was only a precautionary measure from the manager, though, with the ‘keeper having struggled in training during the week.

Asked if the fans should be worried, Ryan said: “Hopefully not too concerned. As you know, I’m ‘Mr Precaution’ so I didn’t want to risk anything.

“We’ll keep assessing Fred over the next few days. He wasn’t well the other day and then in training he felt a bit of muscle tightness so we’ll make sure we give Fred the best possible chance for the opening game of the season.

“We’ll limit his training and we’ve limited his gametime as you’ve seen with not playing him. Hopefully it’s not too concerning and hopefully we can have him available for Sheffield United.”

Dai Cornell stepped in to face the Toffees and made some good saves early in the match, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring from the penalty spot.

Second-half goals from Jake O’Brien and Jesper Lindstrøm extended the visitors’ advantage in what was North End’s final fixture in preparation for the 2024/25 Sky Bet Championship season.

Ryan said: “I thought we were excellent in large parts of the game. Especially in the first half I thought we moved the ball very well. Everton’s staff were very complimentary.

“The goals were sloppy which we know we can avoid. Linds [Liam Lindsay] doesn’t need to dive in for the penalty. The second one is a second phase that’s gone in which we’re disappointed about. It’s dropped down and the kid’s hit a real good shot.

“The third is a fantastic finish. We maybe could have lined the wall up a little bit better but I thought the lads were excellent. I’m just pleased we’ve got through it; it was a fantastic outing for the boys. I thought it was a good game.”

All eyes will now be on next Friday for the gaffer and North End, with a home clash against Sheffield United kicking the new season off.

Ryan said: “The lads have been excellent. Every single person around Euxton, we’ve all rallied together and done the work we needed to do with the players.

“The players have done all the work we’ve asked them to do. The minutes they’ve all had now in the games has tallied up to where we want them to be. We’ll have a recovery day tomorrow and we’ll have a four day build-up to Sheffield United.

“There’ll be a lot of tactical work and information so we’ll make sure it’s day by day and not all at once. We’ll work on some stuff with Sheffield United. I watched them last night live at Huddersfield and they’ve got some players to come back as well and they’ll maybe sign some players.

“Hopefully Monday morning when we have a headcount they’re all available to train and then we’ll have a good week hopefully building up to Sheffield United.”