DAVID Moyes did not search for excuses last night as Preston crashed out of the Auto Windscreens Shield at lowly Hartlepool.

Despite fielding close on a full strength line-up against the side sitting just three off the bottom of the Third Division, North End lost a penalty shoot-out - after the home side had battled through the entire second half and extra time a man down due to Gustavo Di Lella's sending off.

"We have to be disappointed, very disappointed," admitted Moyes. "But you must credit Hartlepool for the spirit they showed."

Preston looked to have the game won in normal time.

After Tommy Miller (72 mins) had given the managerless home side the lead, Julian Darby (77) levelled before a Gary Parkinson penalty (85) gave Moyes men the advantage.

But Miller equalised in injury time and after a period of extra time and the golden goal addition it came down to spot kicks with Hartlepool keeping their nerve to go through.

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