The goal glut for Preston North End's reserves ended at Chester City's Deva Stadium as Billy Barr's side were defeat in the Pontins Holiday League.

The Lilywhites had scored seven goals in their previous two outings but they only managed one at Chester and that was not enough as the Cheshire club already commanded a two goal lead.

Goals in the 35th and 50th minutes for the Blues did the damage and though Karl Hawley turned his man on the edge of the box and drilled a low strike into the bottom of the net in the 65th minute it wasn't enough for PNE's second string.

North End's side had a strong look to it yet again as the management looked to maintain the fitness levels of the fringe players but despite the defeat reserves boss Billy Barr was in a positive frame of mind: "Effort and endeavour I couldn't question one bit but we needed to be more composed in the final third. We don't need to go and get a cross in off the first attack, we are trying things when it's not really on, we just need to get there, get the ball under control and then work from there.

"In the second half they had the goal and then one cleared off the line from Matt Hill and after that Chris Neal has not had anything to do. Their keeper has made some really good saves in the second half, they have also had some defenders who done well and got some blocks in.

"I just said to them at the end that we are using the maximum effort for minimum effeciency at the moment. We just need that little bit of composure to help each other, take the sting out of the game at times and go from there."

Barr also had some positive words for 16-year-old Dominic Collins, the youngster got another game under his belt above youth level.

Barr said: "Dominic Collins has played another full game, so it's another 90 minutes under his belt. He's learning things every week with it, there are little things that we need to look at and work with, but at 16-years-old he is playing alongside experienced professionals and that is going to be good for his development in the long term."

PNE: C Neal, Adams (Aspin 80), Hill, St. Ledger, Jarrett, Anyinsah, L Neal, Hawley, Ormerod (Fairhurst 65), Whaley.  Unused Subs: Mayor, Thompson, McCarthy.