Alexander relaxed despite Salford loss

MANAGER Graham Alexander was left feeling optimistic despite Salford City falling to a 3-1 defeat to Championship Preston North End in their pre-season friendly at Moor Lane.

The Lilywhites, where Alexander spent nine years of his playing career, raced into a 2-0 lead.

Former Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair opened the scoring after 20 minutes, with Billy Bodin adding the finishing touch to a smart move to double the visitors’ advantage.

New signing Ashley Hunter halved the deficit inside an entertaining opening half hour when his effort slipped underneath keeper Connor Ripley.

Salford rallied in pursuit of an equaliser with Patrick Bauer’s header cannoning off his own crossbar, but any hopes of a leveller were quashed when ex-Manchester United youngster Josh Harrop volleyed in with four minutes remaining.

Alexander said: “It’s all about progression each game and progressing the performance level of the team.

“We’re still working hard on the training pitch day in, day out, before and after games.

“It’s about when the season starts and looking at the quality of the players, looking how motivated they are. I’m really pleased with our progression in the three weeks that we’ve had training with them.”

Meanwhile, the Ammies have handed midfielder Darron Gibson a new one-year deal and also fought off stiff competition for Czech goalkeeper Václav Hladký, who arrives on a two-year contract.