Looking back: Preston North End's clash with Torquay United in the 1985/86 re-election season

Their first three games in the Fourth Division – the first time they had been in English football's basement – had seen them take just a single point.

North End found that winning feeling at the fourth attempt though, beating the visitors from South Devon comfortably.

Actually, it was much more than comfortable, the hosts dominant and netting four goals without reply.

Gary Brazil and Nigel Greenwood both scored twice, Greenwood after coming on as a substitute.

If the victory offered optimism about the season ahead though, it proved a false dawn to say the least.

North End finished second bottom of the table, Torquay the only club beneath them.

Both had to apply for re-election, as did Cambridge and Exeter who finished in the bottom four with them.

Although the league form hadn’t been great before this clash, North End had knocked Blackpool out of the League Cup – the second leg win coming four days earlier.

PNE took the lead in the 13th minute, Brazil following in to score from the rebound after a powerful shot from John Thomas had been parried by Gulls goalkeeper Kenny Allen.

Wayne Foster smashed a shot against the post and Thomas was denied by the keeper after getting through on goal as North End bossed proceedings.

It was no surprise when they made it 2-0 with 33 minutes on the clock.

This time it was a solo effort from Brazil who picked up possession some distance out and powered his way through a couple of challenges before sending a shot screaming into the net off the inside of the post.

The 3,403 crowd gave Preston a big ovation off the field at half-time.

The second half was just as good, although the exit of Thomas clutching his arm after a collision at the hour mark did look a worry.

Greenwood came on to replace him and within three minutes of arriving on the pitch made it 3-0.

Brazil turned provider, crossing from the left for the young striker to head home.

North End’s fourth goal came in the 72nd minute.

Greenwood’s pass found Foster on the left-wing and when the new arrival from Bolton put over a low ball into the middle, Greenwood was there to fire home.

The substitute had the ball in the net again but was denied a hat-trick when referee Keith Hackett, one of the most senior officials in the Football League, ruled Greenwood had fouled the keeper in scoring.

Torquay’s one sight of PNE’s goal was a 35-yard shot from Kevin Smith which John Platt finger-tipped against the bar.

After such a good win, Tommy Booth’s men lost their next game 6-0 against Northampton Town at the County Ground just four days later.

PNE: Platt, Jones, Atkins, Twentyman, McAteer, Keen, Clark, Rudge, Brazil, Foster, Thomas (Greenwood 60).

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by clicking here