PRESTON'S season went from bad to worse after they were trounced 4-1 by Tranmere in last night's Worthington Cup second round clash.

Richard Cresswell was outstanding for Preston and, although Iain Anderson and skipper Sean Gregan also had their bright moments, Preston never looked as confident as the home side and could have few grumbles on missing out on a place in the third round draw.

They were unlucky that Tranmere players were given an ultimatum by boss Dave Watson after a woeful performance in the league at Brentford on Saturday and responded well.

They had an excellent start with two goals in the first 14 minutes and made sure with two late strikes after Preston had gambled with an extra striker.

Jason Koumas was the inspiration in midfield for the Merseysiders. Joe Murphy in goal did not have a great deal to do but did make one vital second half save from Cresswell in the 52nd minute.

Tranmere took an eighth minute lead when Sean Flynn netted with a left-foot shot from a pass by Nick Henry after Koumas had pounced on an error by Graham Alexander.

Koumas made it 2-0 in the 14th minute with a superb right-foot shot into the roof of the net from the edge of the box. He was given his chance after Anderson failed to clear properly after keeper Tepi Moilanen had fisted out an effort by Steve Yates.

Tranmere missed other opportunities and Preston pulled a goal back after 31 minutes. Anderson set up Cresswell and his acutely angled left-foot shot deflected off Reuben Hazell and over keeper Murphy into the net.

Tranmere, through Alex Hay and Stuart Barlow, then missed good opportunities in first half injury time.

Preston sacrificed defender Ryan Kidd for striker Steve Basham for the last 13 minutes. But it backfired. Barlow latched on to a Henry pass in the 83rd minute to put a low right-foot shot from 12 yards out of the reach of the keeper.

Then two minutes from time a weak back pass from Gregan allowed Micky Mellon to pounce.