A DISMAL first half saw Preston Grasshoppers trail their Cumbrian opponents 6-3.
Mike Scott, with two penalties and a series of probing touch kicks, had given the visitors the upper hand with a single Steve Kerry penalty Hoppers' only response.
Early in the second half Hoppers took the lead when Dorrington Vaughan rounded off good work by the forwards, with Kerry adding the conversion. Midway through the half a Kerry drop goal increased Hoppers' lead.
The visitors were finally rewarded when prop Irving's unconverted try reduced the deficit to two points.
Glyn Dewhurst gave Hoppers breathing space with six minutes remaining as he charged down a clearance kick and followed up for a try. Kerry converted and in the final minute sealed Aspatria's fate with a second drop goal. Final score Hoppers 23 Aspatria 11
Final score Hoppers 23 Aspatria 11
On Saturday Hoppers continue their Courage League campaign with a visit to Sheffield.
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