After the disappointment of the 2-1 defeat at the hands of local rivals Manchester City in mid-week, Preston's Women returned to winning ways on Sunday with a 5-2 thrashing of Aston Villa.

The result puts PNE joint top of the league, level on points with Nottingham Forest who have played a game less.

They could not have had a better start when Sarah McCrea scored after just 30 seconds. The second soon followed with Gemma Watson slotting home a fine individual goal.

Preston were completely on top with every attack looking likely to end with the ball in the back of the net.

Roving left winger Louise Cafferkey calmly finished her chance after charging into the box to meet a right wing cross, taking the score to 3-0 after just 15 minutes.

Hannah Bailey added the fourth in the 23rd minute and Sarah McCrea got her second and Preston's fifth with a stunning free kick just before half time.

Villa were unable to make any impression on the Preston goal during the first period with the home team playing some excellent flowing football.

A revival by a stoical Villa side was to be expected in the second half and they didn't disappoint. A goal just minutes after the restart definitely caused Villa to raise their game further and with three players now pushed forward, a more direct style of play followed.

Preston's keeper Emma Reader was called into action to clear a couple of corners as Villa took the game to the home side, more in hope salvaging their pride than getting a result.

A free kick awarded after a sloppy challenge gave Villa a chance of a second goal. A pile driver shot came back off a post but fell invitingly to a Villa player, despite strong appeals for handball by the oncoming player the resulting goal was awarded to make the score 5-2.

PNE did manage to regain control of the game after manager Simon Gerrard came down from the stand to make some tactical and personnel changes.

The result was well deserved even after Villa's mini revival and the side now turn their attentions to the visit of Stockport County at Irongate this Sunday 23^rd September with a 2.30pm KO.