It was first hosting second in Lancashire on Saturday morning with Preston in the driving seat at the head of the table.
And they delivered a real sucker punch at the end of a close contest when they netted with almost the last kick of the game to tighten their grip on top spot.
"The lads were absolutely fantastic, I can't praise them enough," youth boss Mark Birch said. "I'm gutted for them that they lost in the way they did because they gave it absolutely everything.
"They scored from a free kick, and it was the last kick of the game, and that's a horrible way to lose when you've worked so hard.
"Max Kilsby and Jack Ellis were fantastic throughout, and the under-16s who came in were excellent.
"Credit to Preston and to our lads for the way both teams approached the game."
