THE weakest of penalties from star striker Ricardo Fuller meant Preston fell at the first hurdle in the Carling Cup against crisis club Notts County.

Along with fellow striker Richard Cresswell, Jamaican Fuller missed chance after chance during the first 90 minutes, then extra time, forcing a shoot-out.

Thirteen converted penalties meant that by the time Fuller stepped up to take North End's seventh penalty it was sudden death.

But despite his reputation for blasting home goals, Fuller sent in a weak shot which County keeper Steve Mildenhall had no trouble stretching low to save.

Afterwards, Craig Brown admitted: "When it comes to getting involved in the action, Ricardo is one of the best on the ball around but he isn't too confident in set-piece situations and we saw that tonight.

"Our finishing just wasn't good enough. We missed a hatful of chances while they just had one shot in the whole game."

As early as the third minute, North End should have been in front. Cresswell found space but was slow to react to the opportunity and the resulting shot went straight to Mildenhall.

Cresswell was then set up by Fuller on eight minutes, but failed to score and then headed over on 15 minutes.

Fuller went on to set up Michael Keane, before launching a one-man effort at goal on 39 minutes. Clearing half the field on his own he choose to try and finish the job off rather than pass to Cresswell.

Mildenhall saved and Lee Cartwright failed to convert the rebound.

On 65 minutes, Cresswell charged down the field, working with Dickson Etuhu and Keane to set up Fuller, who headed over the bar.

And the Jamaican could have had the goal of the month two minutes later when his 30 yard shot which smashed against the post before being scooped up.

Then it was up to Jonathan Gould to keep Preston in the game when he was forced to tip Mark Stallard's effort around the post, ensuring the game went into extra time as a result.

PNE... 0 NOTTS COUNTY... 0

(County win 7-6 on penalties)