SALE FC are still hunting for their first point in the National League North after losing 25-14 against Preston Grasshoppers.

Preston Grasshoppers took the lead after seven minutes following a brief period of play in the Sale 22 when winger Charles Hough took a short pass to score by the posts for the opening try converted by Sean Taylor.

From the restart Sale responded well and they were rewarded when Jonathan Keep was driven over for a try to narrow the gap to two points.

Near the end of the first quarter Sale were then penalised for holding on and Taylor kicked the penalty to restore the hosts lead.

In the second quarter there was little to choose between the sides. McGovern secured a penalty on 28 minutes, but more wayward play saw both sides exchange kicks to give the hosts a 13-11 lead at half time.

Sale had the better of possession in the second half but could not gain any points as errors continued to mount up.

Preston scored a second try on 55 minutes with Taylor touching down but he missed the conversion.

Although still in the match handling errors were dominating Sale’s play.

McGovern added a third penalty on the hour mark but missed one 48 minutes later.

With just two minutes left the home side moved up-field on the back of two Sale penalties and Sam Gale secured the win with a try converted by Taylor which put the hosts up to sixth in the table but leaves Sale languishing in the bottom three.