Derby 1-4 Preston

Jan 27 2008

DERBY'S demoralising season reached a new low as they were dumped out of the FA Cup.

Championship strugglers Preston stunned the Pride Park crowd as they effectively wrapped up victory by half-time.

By the interval they had raced into a 3-0 lead courtesy of a Simon Whaley strike either side of goals from the impressive Karl Hawley.

Rams sub Robbie Earnshaw pulled one back early in the second half.

But that was scant consolation for County who will hope their takeover by American investors can improve the club's fortunes.

A sad day for Paul Jewell's side, who have not celebrated a home victory since September 17, was completed in injury time.

Lewin Nyatanga was sent off for a professional foul on Neil Mellor, who then converted the resulting penalty.