The young Seasiders recorded their first victory of the season after beating Preston North End in the Premier League Cup at Springfields Training Ground on Saturday morning.
After trailing 2-1 at the break, Blackpool turned it around with second-half goals from Luke Byron and Taylor Bowen.
Preston started the brighter of the two sides and took an eighth minute lead when Kitt Nelson tapped in from close range after Jacob Slater’s cross was headed back across goal by Ethan Eccleston.
Blackpool responded well and were rewarded seven minutes later, when Dannen Francis’ curled effort from the edge of the penalty area found the back of the net to level the score line at 1-1.
The hosts dominated the remainder of the first-half and regained the lead on 32 minutes when Noah Mawene’s long-range strike was parried by Blackpool goalkeeper Archie Cunningham. The loose ball fell to Nelson who made no mistake and slotted home his second of the afternoon.
Half-time: Preston North End 2 Blackpool 1
Blackpool started the second period on the front foot as they searched for their second equaliser of the match.
The Seasiders were almost level on 50 minutes when Tyler Hill delivered a great cross that was met by Dannen Francis, who was unable to keep his effort down and the ball drifted agonisingly over the crossbar.
Blackpool had another good opportunity when Taylor Bowen regained possession high up the pitch and found Luke Byron, who’s effort was well blocked.
Blackpool had another opportunity when Jake Daniels outpaced his man on the left flank and floated a dangerous cross into the box. Francis was on hand at the back post to divert the ball goalwards, but his effort was well saved by James Pradic.A minute later, Neal Eardley’s side equalised through Byron who finished off a nice move by the young Seasiders.
Just two minutes later, Blackpool took the lead for the first time in the game as Bowen’s header left Preston goalkeeper Pradic no chance and made it 3-2 with 24 minutes remaining.
As the game slowed down due to Blackpool’s good game management, Preston struggled to create chances and find a way back into the game.
Blackpool shut Preston out and eventually won the game in the first matchday of the Premier League Cup.
Full-time: Preston North End 2 Blackpool 3
Starting XI: Cunningham, Donkor, Oliver, Emina, Hill, Francis, Byron, Nyame, Daniels, J.J, Bowen
Subs: Spinelli, Opawole, Bjork, Abdiu, Hassan