Preston v. Exeter

"Exeter are an average Division IV. side and are away-draw specialists. They should be capable of taking another point at Deepdale against an out-of- form Preston side, who are among the tailenders. I ex- pect a dour defence-domi- nated struggle, resulting in a low-score stalemate."
23 April 1986 Aberdeen Evening Express

PRESTON NORTH END. 2
Thomas, Gibson
EXETER CITY 2
Ling, MeNichol
HT: 1-1

Attendance 3.132

PRESTON played their last match on the Deepdale turf today before it is ripped up to make way for an artificial surface.

Preston started brightly but, against the run of play Exeter took the lead with their first attack after 14 minutes. A through ball found MARTIN LING in the
clear and he chipped over advancing 'keeper Alan Kelly for the opener.

Despite the goal, Preston still kept their grip on the match. After 32 minutes Brazil had better luck with a cross from the by-line which was headed in for a well deserved equaliser by John THOMAS at the far post.

Half-time: Preston 1, Exeter City 1.

Three minutes after the restart, Brazil got in a teasing corner and Simon Gibson moving up from the back was unlucky with a fierce header which he steered straight into the arms of the keeper