Sometimes the scoreline doesn't tell the full story, and Torquay United's FA Cup first round replay defeat to Derby County at Pride Park arguably followed this narrative.
United didn't get off to the best of starts as centre back Mark Ellis inadvertantly turned a cross from Rams left-back Haydon Roberts into his own net after seven minutes.
Eight minutes later, Derby doubled their lead as former Republic of Ireland striker David McGoldrick squared a pass to Will Osula, who netted twice in the first game at Plainmoor, who slotted home.
In the 32nd minute, the Gulls came close to reducing their arrears as Rams keeper Joe Wildsmith parried away a cross from QPR loanee Dillon De Silva, which was aimed at Will Goodwin. The rebound then fell to United striker Aaron Jarvis, but Wildsmith recovered in time to deny him.
Moments later, Charlton Athletic loanee Lucas Ness connected with a corner from Stephen Wearne, but his header was tipped over the bar by Wildsmith.
However, they found themselves trailing by three goals after 38 minutes when Osula turned provider as he picked out Liam Thompson on the right hand side, who then cut inside onto his left foot to drill the ball past United keeper Mark Halstead.
On the stroke of half-time, United had the chance to reduce their deficit when Wildsmith hit a clearance straight at Jarvis, but he could only muster a tame shot while his striker partner Goodwin was unmarked and in space.
On 62 minutes, the Rams won a corner which was headed clear by Jarvis, but only as far as Everton loanee Lewis Dobbin who volleyed home from the edge of the penalty area for 4-0.
With 11 minutes to go, McGoldrick finally found the target himself with a shot on the turn - by now the game was well and truly over as a contest.
Nevertheless, there was still time for Torquay to go close to scoring a consolation as Jarvis raced towards goal, but his eventual shot was turned behind by Wildsmith.
Next up for the Gulls is a return to the bread and butter of the National League with a trip to Barnet, followed by a home 'six-pointer' against Gateshead, which will see 23rd face 24th in the table.
