MAN v FAT Preston XI’s Take Third Consecutive Title
The official MAN v FAT XI’s came to a close this weekend, with Preston taking the title at Bury FC’s Gigg Lane after a long and hard fought season. The win ensured they have a clean sweep of official MAN v FAT XI’s titles under Manager John McNamara, having won the tournament for the previous two seasons.
They encountered a physical and busy Millwall side and whilst Preston dominated, both managers were clear that it did not feel like a 6-1 game. Whilst the scoreline looked vast, the majority of the damage was done in the first 15 minutes, with Preston scoring early goals in the 6th, 8th, 9th and 15th minutes. After the early flurry Millwall started to find their groove and improve their ball retention, that didn’t stop a fifth goal for Preston landing before half time though.
A rejuvenated Millwall side came out for the second half, keen to avenge their first half performance. The goal of the game saw a 35yd thunderbolt fly into Preston’s net from Millwall’s midfield in the 72nd minute – by this point, at six nil down, having also conceded in the 53rd minute the Lions had already been tamed. Preston’s renowned Donaldson brothers took plenty of the plaudits having had five goal involvements between the pair.
The game was played with the same love, rigour and mutual respect that managers Brad and John showed for each other. Whilst both teams wanted to win, they played in a fair and disciplined manner which showcased how XI’s football should be played – all in front of around a hundred adoring fans who were buoyant and loud from the minute both teams left the tunnel.
