A Scott Davidson penalty couldn't prevent Preston North End's youngsters falling to a disappointing 2-1 defeat away at the hands of rivals Blackpool.
Two superbly taken goals from Blackpool striker Louis Almond sealed all three points for the Tangerines, with a rare under par performance by the Lilywhites.
It was a case of Déjà vu for PNE when Almond grabbed an early advantage for the home side, just like the game the previous week involving the first team sides. The goal came courtesy of a strong run by the powerful striker, which was finished off with a well executed finish in the second minute, leaving Preston keeper Dom Comrie with no chance.
Blackpool piled on the pressure and looked to capitalise on a slow start made by Jamie Hoyland's side. The post saved Preston from going further behind in the 11th minute, Almond again the danger man when he skipped past the challenges of Danny Devine and George Miller to fire a low shot against the woodwork.
It took Preston until the 15h minute to threat the Blackpool goal, good work on the right hand side by Ryan McGreevy saw him play Jamie Proctor through on goal who rifled a shot at keeper Chris Kettings to parry away for a corner.
This started a Preston revival, Proctor showing his skills by evading three Blackpool challenges and finding skipper Miller whose shot fell into the grateful hands of the Blackpool keeper. Miller was centre of attention once more and had another chance to get North End back on level terms. A tantalising run by Neil Dougan saw him centre the ball to the PNE captain who shot wide of the goal.
The goal Preston were looking for came just before half time from the penalty spot. A long kick from keeper Comrie bounced over the Blackpool defence, allowing Proctor the chance to bear down on goal but he was bundled over by Seasider's keeper Kettings for a stone cold penalty. The spot kick was coolly slotted into the top right by Davidson, putting the visitors back on level terms in the 43rd minute.
Preston thought they had won their second penalty of the game just after half time, the ball appeared to strike the hand of Blackpool midfielder Kurt Bradley, but appeals were waved away by the referee.
Persistent work from Blackpool striker Almond saw him shrug off pressure from the North End back line, but his long range shot was saved well. Great composure by Proctor saw him collect another long goal kick, managing to pull a shot off but his effort took a heavy deflection off of Blackpool defender Kyran Darcy, causing no real problems.
Preston very nearly took the lead for the first time in the match. A great ball from goal scorer Davidson found Dougan in acres of space on the left wing. The speedy winger then drove into the opposition's area, a determined Blackpool keeper saved once more to deny the Irishman.
Almond then proved to be the thorn in PNE's side, grabbing his second of the game and consequently the winner in the 62nd minute with a fine solo effort. Manager Jamie Hoyland rang the changes to see if he could grab something from the game. This was almost the case as substitute Oliver Devaney met a Sam Hart free kick but unfortunately couldn't direct his header on target.
The last effort for Preston fell into the hands of Proctor, who was Preston's main threat in the game. An in swinging cross on the left from Dougan was inch perfect for Proctor, who only needed to put his header on target to salvage a point for the Lilywhites but his header went agonisingly wide.
A resilient Blackpool saw out the remainder of the second half to seal all three points and win local bragging rights.
A disappointed Jamie Hoyland said after the game: "We were rubbish, embarrassing, after last week of playing superb, we came here and I think some of them thought it was going to be easy and got their just rewards because Blackpool fully wanted it.
"We played as individuals and not as a team, as I said last week I was proud of them and this week I'm embarrassed with them."
Blackpool: Chris Kettings, Jake Forshaw (c), Josh Roberts, Bikc Yawarda, Kyran Darcy, Adam Mitter, Adam Foster, Kurt Bradley, Louis Almond, Tom Barkindan, Adam Dodd. Unused Subs: Joel McDonald, Reynolds Kinsley, Liam Tompsett, Jake Rooney.
PNE: Dom Comire, Scott Leather, Sam Hart, George Miller (c), Daniel Devine, Bailey Wright, Tom Owens (Oliver Devaney, 56), Scott Davidson (Michael McLellan, 56), Ryan McGreevy, Jamie Proctor, Neil Dougan (Cameron Parish, 76) Unused Subs: Seanen Clucas, Fred Holtom.
Report by Jonathon Swift. Photos by Farran Photography
