HOPPERS collapsed to a heavy away defeat at the hands of Harrogate, who in the process of scoring seven tries, moved up to fourth in National League Two.
Preston now find themselves fourth from bottom with only eight points to show from their 12 fixtures and only three points above bottom placed sides Rosslyn Park and Waterloo.
Hoppers must now regroup and plan their ascent up the table over the Christmas period.
The game itself ended as a contest after the opening 25 minutes when Chris Glynn's penalty equalled Harrogate's Cholewa effort. And despite Rob Parkinson putting in a typically aggressive performance, Hoppers continually lost possession of the ball in the tackle and this proved to be their undoing.
Tries from Barker, Cholewa and Clayton either side of the interval sealed the visitors' fate. And with Cholewa boot in fine tune, Hoppers were always chasing the game. Further second half touchdown's from Smithies, Melton, Wade and Dudley wrapped up a convincing win for 'Gate.
Harrogate 53 Preston Grasshoppers 3
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