Preston North End's women started the season in style with a 1-0 win over Crewe's ladies at home.

The first game of the season at Bamber Bridge's Irongate saw the game begin at a frenetic pace with both teams searching to maintain possession and gain the upper hand.

Preston created the first goalscoring opportunity with Alison Taberner latching on to a defensive mistake only to fire wide of the post.

North End then began to dominate possession and good work from Vicky Eastwood on the left wing lead to a cross which Taberner again met but the shot was blocked and fell kindly to a Crewe defender to clear.

Preston's new keeper, Emma Reader, had her first save to make on 26 Minutes after a long range Crewe effort but the opening goal of the game came on 34 minutes when new signing Anisha Bateman cut inside from the right and found Gemma Watson who played a perfect pass into Leesa Haydock who deftly chipped over the Crewe Keeper from 25 yards out. Haydock had another shot just minutes later but pulled the effort wide.

A shot by Taberner after excellent work again from the outstanding Gemma Watson, flew just past the Crewe upright in the 43rd minute of the half.

In the second period it was Crewe who hit the opening salvo with a shot that went wide, closely followed by another that was easily collected by Reader.

PNE then seemed to find an extra gear and had several chances to increase the lead but none were converted.

In the 56th minute good work down Preston's left flank released Haydock who whipped in a cross that was met by a Taberner volley that streaked just wide of the far post.

Preston continued to create good chances with the two strikers, Cadwallader and Watson, combining to create a fine shot that unfortunately hit the post and dropped out of play just minutes later.

A double substitution in the 66th minute saw both Preston strikers replaced and Hannah Bailey soon made an impact with a probing run down the right which produced a cross and shot that was again blocked by a brave Crewe defender.

Crewe had a change in formation late in the half that led to them having a period of greater pressure but Preston continued to defend well and were able to repel the Crewe advances.

The Lilywhites should have put the result beyond doubt just a couple of minutes from the end after Bailey crossed only for the ball to edge just wide from Dransfield's shot.

A 1-0 win was a welcome start to the new season and with other players due to return after injury and new signings yet to play Preston look forward to next week's away fixture at Newcastle United.

Jenny Cottam