Richard Cresswell was Preston North End's hat-trick hero against Leicester in October 2004

Hat-trick hero Richard Cresswell fired 10-man Preston North End past Leicester City in the League Cup in October 2004.
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On a Monday night of drama at the Walkers’ Stadium, North End were left a man down when Claude Davis was shown a red card in the 65th minute.

The Lilywhites were 1-0 ahead at the time but the Foxes equalised with the penalty which resulted from Davis’ dismissal.

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Nathan Blake then put Leicester 2-1 up, a lead they held until the 90th minute when PNE got a penalty of their own – Cresswell scoring to send the tie into extra-time.

Preston striker Richard Cresswell celebrates his hat-trick against Leicester City in October 2004Preston striker Richard Cresswell celebrates his hat-trick against Leicester City in October 2004
Preston striker Richard Cresswell celebrates his hat-trick against Leicester City in October 2004

It was in the 113th minute that Cresswell completed his treble to clinch the win and set North End up with a trip to Everton in the next round.

This was Preston’s second visit to Leicester in the space of just 48 hours.

On the Saturday, they had drawn 1-1 in a league game, goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan scoring their goal with a huge goalkick which sailed over his opposite number.

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They were back on the Monday night for a delayed second-round tie and this time went one better.

Richard Cresswell scores his first goal of the night at LeicesterRichard Cresswell scores his first goal of the night at Leicester
Richard Cresswell scores his first goal of the night at Leicester

For Cresswell it was the first hat-trick of his career and he sported a big grin at the final whistle as he clutched the match ball.

PNE boss Billy Davies made two changes to the side which had played two days earlier, with him without loan players John Curtis and Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu.

Eddie Lewis and young striker Mark Jackson came into the side.

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Although it was Leicester who had the better of the early play, North End took a 34th minute lead.

PNE centre-back Claude Davis is shown the red card by referee Scott Mathieson against LeicesterPNE centre-back Claude Davis is shown the red card by referee Scott Mathieson against Leicester
PNE centre-back Claude Davis is shown the red card by referee Scott Mathieson against Leicester

Jackson robbed Chris Makin of possession on the left side of the box and squared the ball inside to Cresswell who slotted a shot past keeper Kevin Pressman.

Soon after, Pressman made a double save to deny Jackson and Cresswell.

The tie’s controversial moment came in the 65th minute when Leicester’s Gareth Williams got through on goal, Davis getting back to whip the ball off his toes with what looked like a well-timed tackle in the box.

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But referee Scott Mathieson thought otherwise, pointed to the spot and showed the red card to Davis.

Richard Cresswell fires home from the penalty spot to send their League Cup tie with Leicester into extra-timeRichard Cresswell fires home from the penalty spot to send their League Cup tie with Leicester into extra-time
Richard Cresswell fires home from the penalty spot to send their League Cup tie with Leicester into extra-time

Joey Gudjonsson scored from the spot, and eight minutes later the home side nosed in front as Blake climbed to head in a cross from Makin.

With almost the last kick of normal time, North End equalised. Cresswell was tripped by Jordan Stewart.

Mr Mathieson pointed to the spot and Cresswell slotted home from the spot.

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There were seven minutes of extra-time left when PNE got their winner.

Andy Smith sent a cross over to the far post, fellow substitute Omar Daley knocked it back into the middle and Cresswell clipped the ball into the net.

PNE: Lonergan, Alexander (Daley 79) , Mawene, Davis, Broomes, Etuhu, McKenna, O’Neil, Lewis (Davidson 68), Jackson (Smith 70), Cresswell. Subs (not used): Brown, Ward.

Attendance: 6,751

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