EXETER City revelled in the murky conditions of mud and driving rain. They not only notched their first League win in over a month, scored three goals in a match for the first time this season, but picked up the precious spoils in what might be regarded as a "six-pointer" clash against fellow strugglers Preston, writes Derek Lean.

Had it not been for some smart work by Preston 'keeper John Platt the Exeter victory margin could have been greater. Exeter dominated the game although Preston threatened in occasional raids but in the first-half it looked as if they would still be devilled by their poor scoring record. Happily for Exeter that threat quickly disappeared early in the second half as two goals in 45 seconds knocked the stuffing out of Preston. Exeter were able to coast comfortably to a win one they so desperately needed to stay away from the ominously close re-election zone. Manager Colin Appleton was obviously delighted with the result but pointed out he would like to see his side scoring more consis- tently. "But we won con- vincingly in the end. We were always pretty much in control," said the City boss. Injury to John Shaw meant a home debut for Mel Gwynett and he dealt confidently with everything Preston threw at him. But, as Appleton observed, his defence worked well in front of him too. The action started early as a Nick Marker header flashed not far wide of the mark in just the third minute. When Exeter went ahead after only ten minutes then hopes soared that the goal drought until this game they had scored less than a goal a game- might have broken to match the soaking conditions. As it turned out the goals did come but it was not until the second half that Exeter stepped up the tempo of their raiding and put the issue beyond all doubt. The first goal came when Tony Kellow smartly swept a Keith Viney throw in into the box and into the path of Welsh striker Darren Gale who, from twelve yards out, drove a first time left foot shot into the net. Seven minutes later Exeter could easily have been two up. Danny Keough sent winger Martin Ling away on his own with a beautifully timed through ball. Ling's fierce shot was partly stopped by Platt but still the ball looked as if it would roll on over the line. Platt, though, managed to recover and scrambled back to smother the ball in the nick of time. In the 52nd minute Gale struck again - his seven now makes him City's top Scorer as he climbed well to power home a header from skipper Alan Crawford's corner. It was straight from the kick-off that Exeter scored again. Pratt had come on for Kellow Itroubled by a hamstring injury - only three minutes before. He smartly dispossessed Preston central defender Geoff Twentyman and that left his path clear to race through on a lone run. He took the chance calmly and slotted the ball into the net. A few minutes later the lively Pratt almost grabbed another. A back pass from Andy McAteer stuck in the mud and Pratt pounced but this time Platt managed to push the Welshman's shot away for a corner. Soon after that Martin Ling escaped down the wing and presented a perfect pass to Pratt who hit his shot well but again again Platt managed to push the ball away. The game ended with Exeter well and truly in the driving seat seat and their two-goal hero Gale not being all that far away from a hat-trick as a header streaked across the face of the goal.

Attendance: 1,896.

Star players:
EXETER: Darren Gale.
PRESTON: Vernon Allatt.