Sheffield Wednesday vs Preston

The match was played over two 60-minute periods rather than the conventional 45-minute halves, a format both sides used to maximise game time for larger squads. The switch was confirmed by Sheffield Wednesday's pre-match communications, with the fixture moved from Wednesday's Middlewood Road base to Preston's training ground for logistical reasons.

Wednesday fielded an experienced first-half XI. Louie Barry opened the scoring in the 15th minute, and Jamal Lowe doubled the lead ten minutes later as the Owls dominated the opening hour. The official Sheffield Wednesday account posted at half-time: "HT | PNE 0-2 Wednesday. Louie Barry and Jamal Lowe on target for the Owls."

Preston, under Paul Heckingbottom, changed their entire XI at the break and responded swiftly. Alfie Devine pulled one back in the 50th minute, and Callum Lang levelled in the 60th, making it 2-2.

Reece Johnson, introduced in Wednesday's second-half lineup, struck the winner in the 70th minute to secure the Owls' first pre-season win after a 3-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion in a behind-closed-doors fixture at St George's Park and a 0-0 draw with Hallam at Sandygate earlier this month.

Wednesday's ability to rotate their entire XI and still find a winner from a younger second-half group was the decisive factor. Preston's equaliser came soon after both sides made wholesale changes, but Johnson's goal — created by a second-string lineup featuring younger players and trialists — showed the depth Pedersen is developing ahead of the League One campaign.

Louie Barry — the new signing opened his account for the Owls with a well-taken 15th-minute goal. The winger, signed from Aston Villa this summer, looked sharp in the first hour.

Jamal Lowe — the experienced forward doubled Wednesday's lead and worked as a focal point in attack. Lowe signed a new contract with the club earlier this summer.

Reece Johnson — the midfielder's 70th-minute winner capped a composed second-half display from the younger Owls group.

Alfie Devine — the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, who made his loan move permanent at Preston this summer, sparked the comeback with his 50th-minute strike.

The 2x60-minute format limits conventional stat comparisons, but the pattern was clear: Wednesday's first XI dominated the opening hour (2-0), Preston's second-half starters fought back to level (2-2), and Wednesday's depth told late on (3-2).

Wednesday's pre-season results now read: 0-3 vs West Brom (behind closed doors, 12 July), 0-0 vs Hallam (14 July), 3-2 vs Preston (18 July). They had managed just one goal across their first two friendlies before scoring three here.

For Sheffield Wednesday, this is a tangible step forward in pre-season preparations. The club is rebuilding after finishing 24th in the Championship last season with points deductions following administration, and a takeover by David Storch's US consortium has stabilised the club. They now prepare for life in League One.

The squad flew to Budapest on 19 July for a five-day training camp before moving to Austria for a further two days. Their next fixtures are against Accrington Stanley and Oldham Athletic before the competitive season begins.

Preston, who finished 14th in the Championship last season, now have one win and one defeat in pre-season (4-1 vs Bamber Bridge, then 3-2 here). Heckingbottom said before the match: "We're playing Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday and then we'll have a tough, physical week out in Spain. The lads have come back fitter than last season and that's all you can ask for." Preston continue their preparation for a 12th consecutive second-tier campaign.

A productive workout for both sides. Wednesday's first XI looked organised and dangerous; their second XI showed resilience after Preston's fightback. For a club rebuilding under new ownership, this was the performance Pedersen needed. Preston will be slightly frustrated to have let a comeback slip, but in pre-season the minutes are the priority.