Football: Advantage to Torquay

Torquay United. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Preston North End. . . . . . . . . . . . . .0

PRESTON NORTH END have left themselves with a great deal to do to reach the Third Division play-off final at Wembley in a fortnight. They were outplayed at Plainmoor yesterday by their unfancied hosts, who scored a goal in each half.

It was Darren Moore, with a 57th-minute volley after Paul Trollope had brought Paul Buckle's cross under control, who altered the complexion of the tie.

Duane Darby had given Torquay the lead with a 20th-minute tap-in after Preston's Steve Woods could only parry Buckle's 20-yard shot.

Moore and his fellow central defender, Chris Curran, were in superb form for Torquay, whose Barbadian winger, Gregory Goodridge, hit the bar. Mark Sale, who was a constant threat in the air, also went close.

Only when Preston were two down did they rouse themselves, Paul Raynor, who had hit the outside of the post with a rare first-half effort, setting up Tony Ellis in the 80th minute for a shot that Ashley Bayes tipped over.

Torquay United: Bayes; Hodges, Goodridge, Kelly, Moore, Curran, Trollope, Buckle, Darby (Foster, 87), Sale, O'Korie (Hathaway, 87). Substitute not used: Lowe (gk).

Preston North End: Woods; Fensome, Sulley, Cartwright, Matthewson, Moyes, Ainsworth, Lucas (Conroy, 65), Raynor, Ellis, Bryson. Substitutes not used: Challender, Berryman (gk).

Referee: R Milford (Bristol).