Match Report: AFC Preston Ladies V Hull United Women's Development

This weekend hull United women’s development squad faced reigning champions Preston away.

With a few missing, it was always going to be a tough game for the visitors but with an unbeaten start to the season, United went into the game with their heads held high.

From the first whistle the game was end to end. Both sides created chances from the off but it was Preston who broke the deadlock. With a mix up at the back the home side went 1-0 up.

After going behind, United grew more and more into the game. With the front 3 of Hughes, Mansell, Warner-Bull and Ellis in the middle causing problems for the Preston defence. United won a free kick 15 minutes in down the right hand side. Ayre played a Good Cross to the Back Post which was hit home by Bailey to level the scoring. Kerrison was introduced and added fresh legs and a different threat up top.

The visitors played some great first half football against a tough Preston side who made it 2-1 before the break.

The message at half time was simple, work hard, be first to the ball and we would get something out of the game.

United were slow to restart the game. The strong Preston side took advantage of this and made it 3-1. Despite the score line the back four off Greenley, Watson, new signing Gayles, Bentley and keeper Cooke were keeping the Preston forwards at bay.

The introduction of Holmes freshened up the back four in an attempt to hold off the Preston attack.

Hughes was brought back on and changed the game instantly. With 10 Minutes to go United made it 3-2 with Hughes getting on the score sheet. United were pushing for the equaliser and Preston were looking for the win. With some quick play down the right hand side a brilliant cross from the Preston winger found the head of their striker which left Cooke in goal no chance. 4-2.

The visitors continued to push for another goal and it was Hughes who hit the back of the net again from a great ball from Bailey into the box.

The final whistle blew with the final score of 4-3 to the home side. United left with their heads held high after a 90 minute battle in which every single player ran their socks off. Such a close result against the reigning champions shows just how far the development side have come.

Player of the match went to Chelsea Bailey for her tireless work in the middle.

The ladies have no fixture this weekend.