Bradford City secured a 3-2 victory over Championship side Preston North End in a pre-season match played at Valley Parade. The friendly provided both teams with valuable minutes ahead of the coming campaign and offered a glimpse of fitness and form among the squads.
Preston performers assessed
Local coverage of the game included a set of player ratings for the Preston XI. Those assessments highlighted a number of reliable displays amid an ultimately losing effort.
- Lee Nicholls was credited with composed handling from crosses and a strong stop from a Sarcevic attempt, earning a 6/10.
- Jordan Storey received a 6 after contributing a headed goal, although his defensive work included a couple of errors.
- Ali McCann picked out some incisive passes late on and was rated 7 for his influence in midfield.
"Good handling from crosses, solid save from Sarcevic and couple of point-blank efforts at goal well saved," the assessment said of Nicholls' contribution.
Summary of ratings and contribution
The published ratings showed a generally even spread, with midfielders and attackers receiving slightly higher marks for creative work while some defenders were marked down for occasional lapses.
| Player | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Nicholls | 6 | Key saves, good handling |
| Jordan Storey | 6 | Scored with a header; some errors |
| Liam Lindsay | 5.5 | Important clearance, one nervy moment |
| Ali McCann | 7 | Excellent passing late in the game |
What this means for Bradford
For Bradford City supporters, the result will be encouraging as Valley Parade provided the setting for a win against higher-division opposition in pre-season. For Preston, the player ratings underline areas for attention — particularly maintaining defensive consistency and converting promising chances.
Pre-season fixtures are primarily about match fitness and building combinations; the individual assessments from the visiting side offer a snapshot of which players may press for places when competitive action begins. Both clubs will take different lessons from the evening as they finalise preparations.
