Preston North End Deepdale

Ground 5

Match 5

Preston North End 1 - 3 Wigan Athletic

Attendance 4,547

Pre -season Friendly

Bill shankly Kop

Admission £10 in the Alan Kelly stand


Paid cash at the gate. Normally more than double .

Sir Tom Finney stand



A visit to the 'home ' of football is a must for every ground hopper . Founder members of the Football League ,Preston North Ends Deepdale has staged football games continuously longer than anywhere. The same pitch/area hs been used since 1875 . A plastic pitch was used in the 80's but this was more a financial solution and compromise with the local council .

I know some supporters prefer tickets but cash at the gate is ideal for neutrals and ground hoppers who may decide to turn up as an after thought although there is the away support/segregation to consider .

Programme Obtained Yes £1 Thinner version but good quality and fair price .
Cheeseburger £3.50 Pie & a beer £5
Bottle of beer £3 tea £2

' Invincibles ' (old pavillion)

Arrived just before kick off and couldn't find any programmes available inside the ground .
As i sat down Wigan were on the attack and scored after about 20 seconds or so .
You could tell North End were up against it and Wigan were too quick , first to the ball,rapid interchange play and it was 2-0 .

Should have been 4 0r 5-0 before Preston pulled one back; Gomez missing two gilt -edged chances within a couple of minutes. Wigan made it 3-1 and half-time . Seemed like Wigan were capable of stepping up an extra gear at will but it stayed 3-1 until the final whistle . North End got away with a narrow defeat when it should have been a lot worse , possibly 6 or 7 by the time the ref blew for full-time and thats from me - a PNE fan . Even the most hardened One and Only's had to admit Wigan were far too superior . Can see why Roberto Martinez is in demand , Wigan pass the ball swiftly and with accuracy.

Great stadium ,Premier League standard based on the Stadio Luigi Ferraris , Genoa cricket and football club Italy (founded by Englishmen.)
 Plenty of car parks nearby ranging from £2 and side roads .
I parked near the Deepdale social club , 2 minutes from the Alan Kelly stand and 3 minutes from the club shop .

Had a look in the club shop after the game ; staff were very helpful and managed to get me a few programmes ; i helped myself to a dozen complimentary fixture list cards . Club shop was open a few hours before the game and just after so it may be a good idea to get there asap and browse round .
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A few away friendly pubs nearby , the Sumners and the Garrison .
Train station is about 1-2 miles from the ground (20-30mins walk or a bus ride/short taxi-fare .)The local constabulary may help you along lol, probably away from the Town Centre , past the University and through Moor Park .

Looking towards Alan Kelly Stand

Photo Taken against Norwich 2010 .

The Splash Statue - signifies Finney controlling a pass from team-mate Tommy Docherty in sodden conditions at Stamford Bridge in 195o's

Preston home and away programmes always wanted .