Hartlepool United Academy bowed out the EFL Youth Alliance Cup at the semi-final stage of the northern section following a tight clash at Preston North End.
There was a fully fit squad for Ian McGuckin to choose from, however Pools had not been in action for over three weeks.
And the slow start harmed them as Preston were ahead after just 60 seconds. Max Wilson won possession high up the pitch and, after playing a one-two with Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile, slotted into the bottom left corner to bag an early opener.
That duo again proved to be a danger in the 10th minute when Rodriguez-Gentile darted down the left flank before setting Wilson, forcing Pools stopper Jake Wilkinson into a neat save.
Pools managed to carve out a good opportunity on 40 minutes as Max Storey played Eddie Ormerod, but the midfielder's strike was stopped low at the front post by the Preston keeper.
The visitors continued to grow into the game in search of an equaliser as Joseph Aungiers found Charlie Berry on the edge of the box, however his effort flashed past the far post.
The final chance of the first half, though, fell Preston's way with Jonny Brindle's free-kick finding the head of Rodriguez-Gentile, only for Wilkinson to make a magnificent fingertip save.
Both keepers were called into action straight after the break, with Wilkinson turning Ellis Horan's shot past the post. Meanwhile at the other end, Storey unleashed a powerful effort for Hartlepool but Li-Bau Stowell got his body behind it.
As the clock ticked down, Pools' best chance of an equaliser came on 84 minutes. Alfie Steel set substitute Leo Robinson, who drove an effort narrowly wide from 20 yards.
With the referee calling time on proceedings, Preston booked their spot in the northern final of the EFL Youth Alliance Cup. Pools now turn their focus to another away game with Mansfield Town on Tuesday afternoon.
Pools: Wilkinson, White, Lynn, Berry, Darcy, Grundle, Aungiers (Robinson 70), Kitching, Ormerod (Burnett 80), Steel, Storey (Wood 80)
Subs (not used): McBride, Duthie