A young City reserves side have battled back to earn a point in a see-saw Pontin’s League fixture against Preston North End.

The Blues were ahead in the first minute through a Ben Mee header, but the table-topping hosts went 3-1 up in the second half.

Two Ched Evans strikes, in the 72nd and 81st minutes, restored parity and City were denied a win when Ashley Grimes hit the bar in the last minute of normal time.

Reserves manager Kenny Jackett was delighted with the performance, saying: “It was our best performance of the season, against a very experienced Preston side. It was a tremendous game all round, we deserved to win and Preston can count themselves a bit lucky.

“We’re playing some good football at the moment and I’m pleased that we’ve strung some good performances together in both the Premier Reserve and the Pontin's League over the last few weeks. There’s no doubt that the results will come as well, but I’m pleased with the way we are playing.”

Teams:

PNE: Chris Neal, Aspin, Adams, Collins, Bloxham, Pugh (capt), Agyemang, Gallagher, Carroll, Mellor, Lewis Neal.

Subs: Fairhurst, Thompson, Appiah, Higgins, McMahon.

City: Hartley, Trippier, Williamson (capt), Mee, McDonald, Laird, Etuhu, Marshall, Evans, Grimes, Ball.

Subs: Morris, Clegg, Kay, Poole, Tsiaklis.