Brett Ormerod popped up in the last minute of the game to settle the reserves derby between Blackpool and Preston at Fleetwood. The former Tangerine got on the end of a clever Nathan Fairhurst ball and dinked the ball over the top of the onrushing keeper to win the game for Billy Barr's Lilywhites.

It was nothing more than North End deserved on a windswept night under difficult playing conditions at Fleetwood Town's Highbury Stadium. The Lilywhites fielded seven first team squad members including Joe Anyinsah who returned to action following a hamstring scare at Pride Park, Billy Jones who played his first game since hernia surgery earlier this month and Chris McGrail who was playing his first game in PNE colours this season after being injured for most of the campaign.

Speaking about the win First Team Coach Billy Barr said: "It wasn't the best conditions for either side but we came through with the win and did a very professional job.

"Billy Jones played for 60 minutes and come through ok, Joe Anyinsah also got through 60 minutes after his hamstring scare last week. In his first game this season for us Chris McGrail completed 60 minutes as well so it's good that we have got them playing.

"We finished the game with seven scholars on the pitch, it's nice that we can out that many youths out and still get a good result."

The win extends North End's lead at the top of the Pontins Holiday League to eight points, second placed Blackpool failing to close the gap on the Lilywhites in defeat. Preston's only threat now comes from Morecambe who are in third place on 18 points with three games in hand on Billy Barr's top of the table side.