PNE classic game series: Ripping yarns as Deepdale's plastic pitch is torn up after dramatic play-off win over Torquay

PNE manager John Beck (right) and assistant Gary Peters celebrate Paul Raynor's winner against Torquay in the play-offs in May 1994

Laid in the summer of 1986, the artificial surface had one final match to be underfoot for when Preston hosted Torquay in the semi-final second leg of the Third Division play-offs.

The decision had been taken to return to a natural grass pitch, hence this being an end of an era.

North End trailed Torquay 2-0 from the first leg in South Devon five days earlier.

PNE players Paul Raynor and David Moyes are carried shoulder high by the North End fans after the play-off semi-final victory over Torquay

With their form having taken something of a dip over the second half of that season, overturning that deficit would take some doing.

Torquay were managed by former PNE defender Don O’Riordan which added even more flavour to the occasion.

The Lilywhites started early in respect of trying to turn the tie in their favour.

Just eight minutes were on the clock when Tony Ellis headed North End in front on the night – the word headed was to be the theme of this second leg.

Preston striker Tony Ellis takes on the Torquay defence on the final game on plastic at Deepdale

On the quarter-hour mark though, there was a big setback for John Beck’s men when Torquay equalised through Gregory Goodridge.

A key moment was a red card for the visitors’ central defender Darren Moore for swinging a punch at Paul Raynor nine minutes before half-time.

PNE took full advantage of playing against 10 men, Ian Bryson’s cross headed home by David Moyes.

Early in the second half, Stuart Hicks got his head to a Raynor corner to make it 3-1 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate.

Torquay held out to take the game into extra time and as things stood, North End were facing defeat on the away goal rule.

With four minutes left though, Andy Fensome lifted a cross into the box and there was Raynor to head home and spark scenes of jubilation.

At the final whistle, North End fans swarmed on to the pitch to celebrate and to rip up sections of the pitch to take home as souvenirs.

It was the first time PNE had reached Wembley since the 1964 FA Cup final, with Wycombe awaiting them at the Twin Towers.