Magpies fall to narrow defeat against Championship side Preston North End

July 10, 2025
Magpies fall to narrow defeat against Championship side Preston North End
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Words: Ewan Murray, Images: David Airey

CHORLEY fell to a narrow defeat to a strong Preston North End side after a Stefan Thordarson goal early in the second half was enough to carry the Championship side to victory.

Andy Preece opted to field a strong starting eleven made up of first-team players in the first half, who held their own against a Preston side with many regulars involved.

In a largely uneventful first half, Preston had the lion’s share of possession but were unable to craft many serious opportunities in front of goal.

Chorley's best chance of the game came in the ninth minute when an Adam Blakeman corner eventually fell to the feet of centre half Scott Wilson, whose shot was well saved by Daniel Iversen in goal for North End.

Following the break, both managers fielded different teams to which started the game; Chorley making ten changes and Preston replacing their entire starting eleven.

Preston started strongly after the restart, utilising their possession higher up the pitch, pinning Chorley on the edge of their 18-yard box for much of the second half.

Seven minutes after the interval North End had their breakthrough when Pol Valentin broke down the right-hand side and played a low cross into the box which found Stefan Thordarson who finished well.

Almost straight after Felipe almost grabbed Preston’s second after being put through one on one, however he put his effort wide.

The Magpies defended well throughout the remainder of the second half, managing to only narrowly lose to very strong opposition.

Chorley now turn their attention to their next pre-season game against Bradford City on Friday.

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