Liverpool faced a narrow 1-0 defeat to Preston North End in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly at the AXA Training Centre on Friday. Robbie Brady’s impressive long-range effort secured the win for the visitors, despite Liverpool’s dominance and numerous chances, especially in the first half.
The match saw 25 Liverpool players getting valuable minutes on the pitch. Early on, Ben Doak was released into space down the left but was thwarted by Brad Potts. Shortly after, Mohamed Salah narrowly missed the target with a volley from inside the area, following a partially cleared cross by Kostas Tsimikas.
Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley had shots from the edge of the box deflected just wide, while Doak flicked a header off target from a corner. Liverpool continued to press, with Salah setting up Elliott for a close-range effort that was brilliantly saved by Preston’s goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.
Despite Liverpool’s control, Preston took the lead against the run of play. Brady capitalized on a defensive error, intercepting a pass and launching a superb long-range strike that sailed over Liverpool’s goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros and hit the upright before going in.
In the second half, Liverpool made ten changes, but the opening 15 minutes saw little goalmouth action. Luke Chambers sent a 25-yard shot over the bar, and Lewis Koumas similarly missed the target after being set up by Tyler Morton.
Liverpool continued to seek an equalizer, with Trey Nyoni’s powerful shot blocked and Kaide Gordon’s low volley comfortably saved by the Preston keeper. However, Preston’s defense held strong to maintain their lead.
The match concluded with Liverpool turning their attention to their upcoming three-match tour of the USA, starting on Tuesday.
Liverpool first half lineup: Jaros, Bradley, Van den Berg, Quansah, Tsimikas, Jones, Elliott, Szoboszlai (Endo, 33), Doak, Salah, Carvalho.
Liverpool second half lineup: Davies, Stephenson, Nallo, Phillips, Chambers (Beck, 75), Endo (Nyoni, 75), Bajcetic, Morton, McConnell, Koumas (Blair, 75), Gordon.
COMMENTS