With the majority of the league games called off due to the freezing temperatures, and the early 11am Stanley Park game cancelled, both Blackpool 3’s & Preston 6’s were delighted that the winter sun had defrosted the pitch ready for the scheduled 2pm start.
With the regular striker Oli McVicor missing, in a surprise move Blackpool started with Joe Boniface up front along along with Keiffer Earnshaw. There were a few half-chances but the difference was made when David Wright came on as a substitute and immediately made an impression with his hi-tempo play. He started a move down the left wing, crossed to Chris Walker inside the D, who gave the ball back to Wright who slammed it diagonally into the goal.
Blackpool’s defence were holding firm against Preston’s attack until a dispossession led to a quick counter-attack and suddenly the game was back to all square. Blackpool had more possession in the second half, with quality midfielders in Joe Neath, Matt Atherton, Will Pickles and his older brother Chris Pickles. However, as in recent weeks, direct shots were somewhat lacking and the Preston keeper was on form stopping those that did come off.
It was a rare Blackpool short corner that led to their second goal, although not with the first shot, but with Jack Williams pouncing on the rebound and laying off to David Wright who smashed in his second of the match.
Blackpool continued to push forward looking to extend their lead, and in fact Wright was close to scoring his hat-trick (but was still chosen as Man of the Match). However the match became extended with Preston also having a share of attacks, and they finally managed to win their first short corner just before the end of the game. Phil Weir managed to get his stick in the way of the shot on goal, but not by enough to stop the ball reach the net.
There was no time for either side to find a winner, with Blackpool perhaps more frustrated with the draw, but both sides feeling they’d been in a tight contest.