BOTH SIDES had a share of the spoils in a goaless encounter at the County Ground, Leyland.
Wanderers had the better chances against their La Liga opponents and were unlucky not to come away with a victory after Girona ‘keeper Marc Vito saved Clayton Donaldson’s first half penalty.
Debutant Yanic Wildschut almost opened the scoring after five minutes when he got on to the end of Craig Noone’s lovely cross after trailist Gary O’Neil won possession in midfield. However, the on-loan wideman was unable to get his header on target.
At the other end, Pere Pons bustled the ball wide despite the attention of Wanderers skipper David Wheater after bursting into the Wanderers box.
Clayton Donaldson was the next Wanderer to go close after the visitors failed to clear O’Neil’s corner. The big striker wasn’t able to fully connect with an overhead attempt and the ball was comfortably gathered by Marc Vito in the Girona goal.
Noone’s curling right-footer lacked the power to trouble Vito as Wanderers pressed forward again looking to turn their possession into goals.
The hosts were awarded a penalty after 27 minutes when Donaldson was upended over on the far side, but the striker was unable to convert from the spot after Vito dived to his right to prevent Wanderers from taking a lead.
Ben Alnwick was pressed into action almost immediately to keep out Portu’s powerful drive at the expense of a corner.
A quick throw-in from Noone found Josh Vela in the box. The midfield took a tender touch over the defender’s head before lashing a half-volley just inches over the bar.
Alnwick made a stunning save at full stretch to keep out Coris’ deft header as Girona started to get more balls into the final third.
Will Buckley was the only change during the interval with the wideman swapping places with Wildschut.
Wheater got on the end of an in-swinging Noone free-kick but his header went narrowly wide.
With the visitors making a whole host of substitutions during the break, it took a while for them to find their fluidity and chances for both sides were at a premium.
Little, who had been on the field for Olkowski for only a matter of minutes, managed to get into the box but his cross was blocked as Wanderers cantered forward.
Pritchard, Le Fondre and Ameobi came on for O’Neil, Donaldson and Noone as Phil Parkinson made further changes as the game entered the closing stages.
With five minutes remaining Stephen Darby came on for Taylor.
Alnwick, who had largely been a spectator in the second half, pulled off a great save with his feet after Portu was put though with just a few minutes remaining.
Right at the death, Le Fondre charged towards goal, under intense pressure, managed to get a shot but could only watch the ball rebound off the foot of Vito’s right hand post.
It was a bright conclusion to the game and was a fantastic workout for the hosts who take on Guiseley and Peterborough United next week before the season gets underway at The Hawthorns.