Preston 1 Fulham 1 (16-15 pens): Record-breaking shootout sees Prem side dumped

RYAN LEDSON was the hero as Preston won a record-breaking shootout – after 34 PENALTIES.

North End stunned Fulham to beat the previous benchmark in the League Cup, when Liverpool beat Middlesbrough 14-13 on pens in 2014 when 30 were taken.

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Cottagers star Timothy Castagne blazed his penalty over the bar before skipper Ledson netted to send Fulham out.

Reiss Nelson gave Fulham a dazzling glimpse of his big-time promise with a sweet debut goal.

The winger, signed from Arsenal on loan, made his first start and set up and finished a slick equaliser in the 62nd minute.

Nelson created the space for Ryan Sessegnon to go wide and was in the middle when the cross came to fire home at the near post.

Fulham needed that cutting edge after dominating but failing to take their chances.

Marco Silva changed his entire team but still had enough big names.

But Silva’s defence always looked shaky, with Issa Diop booked after two early badly-timed trips.

Keeper Steven Benda clawed away a header from Kaine Kesler-Hayden after Josh Bowler caused trouble with a cross.

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Bowler started the move that brought the breakthrough goal with another ball that Mads Frokjaer headed into the danger zone.

Harrison Reed cleared but North End skipper Ledson returned the ball with interest from the edge of the box – cracking home in the 35th minute.

Nelson’s leveller should have opened the door for more.

But North End dug in well and once again the lack of a final touch frustrated the Craven Cottage men as they were dumped out.