Report

Blackpool were looking to continue with their unbeaten run and also claim bragging rights to the first derby match of the season.

A slow start ensued for Blackpool with Chyna Appleton having the first shot on goal for Blackpool with good play from the defence of Eleanor Bannister and Evren Verdu. Preston however, always try to pull out all the stops against Blackpool and soon went on the attack with Erin Croft being forced to make an early save. Natasha Fenton was brought down whilst on the attack which was rewarded with a free kick to Pool which she was then able to pick up and produced a fine shot which glanced over the post. Preston were unlucky when a great ball from their defence ran a little too quick and their striker was unable to get on the end of it. Halfway through the first half Blackpool seemed to be out of sorts with Croft again being forced to make a couple of great saves to keep a clean sheet. The manager made some early changes bringing Verdu off and putting Hannah Wright on moving Natasha Marshall to the right hand side. Blackpool were still unable to break the deadlock with a cracking shot from Fenton going just over the bar. Karis Harrison further tried her luck but was unable to open the scoring and going into half time the score was 0-0.

The manager must have had a very stern team talk at half time, as any spectator would not have recognised it was the same team. Fenton opened the scoring with a brilliant strike which the Preston keeper was unable to keep out. Preston fought back and Amy Sudworth, Ellie Fisher and Jordyn Ellison held firm. Player of the match Harrison got the second goal of the game with good work from Stephanie Haigh and Hannah Wright. Blackpool now had their tails up with Appleton having a shot denied before Fenton made it 3 nil. Blackpool now had firm control of the game with a great shot being deflected by the Preston keeper for a Pool corner. Fenton completed her hattrick. Preston were still hoping for a consolation goal before Fenton lobbed the keeper for Blackpool's fifth and final goal of the game. Well done Blackpool another fantastic win to keep the team top of the table in the West Lancs League.