The weekend visit to Maltby Main FC, home of Sheffield Wednesday, proved fruitful as PNE Women made in four wins from four, with a comfortable 2-0 victory.

And, with the side in fantastic form, they have an opportunity to extend their lead at the summit of the table with a clash against Manchester City at Bamber Bridge on Wednesday night. Kick-off 7.45pm at Irongate.

Manager Simon Gerrard couldn't have asked for a better start on Sunday, when striker Gemma Watson chipped the oncoming Wednesday keeper and coolly slotted home with only four minutes on the clock. A further chance to extend the lead fell to Hannah Bailey who, after working hard to beat the defender, saw her shot hit the side netting.

On 23 minutes Preston did however double their lead. After being awarded a free kick on the right hand side of the box, the Sheffield keeper was only able to parry the resulting delivery by Louise Cafferkey into her own net.

Further chances fell to Bailey and Cafferkey before the half time interval, but the score remained at 2-0, not a true reflection of the dominance by the visiting team.

North End continued their momentum in the early exchanges of the second half. Hannah Bailey fired wide and then in the 55^th minute, Gemma Watson forced the Wednesday keeper to make a decent save.

The Owls then had a couple of shots which fortunately for Preston went wide of the target. Keeper Emma Reader then showed her alertness when a through ball split the defence but her prompt arrival from the line forced the Sheffield striker to again put wide.

In an attempt to force a third goal to seal the game North End introduced Sarah McCrea on 65 minutes. She almost immediate impact, delivering an excellent cross was eluded everyone in the area.

A further substitution saw Fiona Dransfied introduced in the 70^th minute but a reckless tackle saw her leave the field of play moments later, replaced by Alison Taberner.

The last 20 minutes saw limited opportunities for both teams, but with North End firmly in control, they were happy to play out the rest of the game.

Team: Reader, Bateman, Walker, Jones C, Eastwood, Sconce, Berry (C), Haydock, Cafferkey, Watson, Bailey. Subs:McCrea, Dransfield, Taberner, Martin & Jones S.

Make sure you pick up a copy of Saturday's PNE - Sheffield Wednesday match programme to read an exclusive interview with PNE Women's striking sensation Hannah Bailey.