Preston test is Latics' reward

ON THE CHARGE . . . Athletic's Ryan McLaughlin takes on the Everton defence in last night's Lancashire FA Senior Cup Final. PICTURE by ALAN HOWARTH

ATHLETIC have been handed a difficult task in the second round of the EFL Cup after landing an away tie at Preston North End.

Last night's seeded draw meant Stephen Robinson's side, who got past Sky Bet Championship opposition in Wigan on Tuesday night, were bound to be put up against opponents from a higher level.

Rather than land a lucrative tie against a top Premier League club - every side not involved in European competition was in the pot for round two - the late-night draw means Robinson must now take his side to Deepdale as they bid to move into the third round for the first time since the 2001-02 season.

Athletic played against Simon Grayson's side in pre-season, losing 3-1 at SportsDirect.com Park. Preston lost their opening Championship outing 1-0 at Reading and then beat visitors Hartlepool 1-0 at Deepdale on Tuesday night thanks to a late goal from Eoin Doyle to claim their place in round two of the EFL Cup.

The tie will be played out on the week beginning Monday, August 22.

Former Preston player Robinson watched three trialists in action last night as Athletic's reserves lost 5-3 on penalties to Everton's under-23s after a 2-2 draw in the final of the Lancashire FA Senior Cup at Leyland.

Ex-Blackpool defender Charles Dunne, former West Ham midfielder Nathan Mavila and Callum Martins were named in the starting line-up and there was a first run-out in club colours for new signing Ryan McLaughlin.

Ryan Ledson opened the scoring for Everton after a George Edmundson foul before Athletic hit back with two goals before half-time. Luke Garbutt headed into his own goal and Jake Cassidy fired home, but a late leveller by Tom Davies took the contest into a shoot-out in which Edmundson, who captained the side, missed with his effort.

Connor Brown was not involved in the game and Carl Winchester played for the first 55 minutes before making way for Lee Knight.

The duo, who are Athletic's longest-serving players, could leave before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month, Robinson admitted, as he aims to free up places for more new signings.

"We are currently in the process of seeing what is out there for both boys," Robinson said.

"That's not to say things won't turn around for them.

"They are both good boys who I don't have a single problem with.

"At times you have to get people in and out and business needs to be done.

"But they are both still at the club and will be part of things until they are not at the club."

Reserves: Kettings, McLaughlin (King 62), Dunne, Edmundson, Stott, Winchester (Knight 55), Mavilla, Woodland, Osei (Glackin 82), Cassidy, Martins. Subs not used: Byrnes, O'Neill.