The Seasiders hopes of winning the Pontins League took a massive nose dive on Wednesday afternoon when they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at top of the table Preston North End.

With Simon Grayson and Tony Parkes watching from the stand and Steve Thompson, Gary Parkinson and Peter Fox in the dug out Pool's back room staff was almost at full strength as was the line up, which included skipper Michael Jackson, making his first appearance since tearing his hamstring, David Fox, John Hills, Stuart Green, Andy Welsh and Danny Coid. Latvian stopper Pavels Steinbors continued in goal whilst Simon Wiles and Paul Tierney were also out to impress the various scouts in attendance. The hosts also named a strong line up with eight players with senior experience.

After a scrappy opening it was the Tangerines who took the lead when SIMON WILES put Pool one up with a fantastic finish from an Andy Welsh cross. Five minutes later Pool were forced to make their first change of the game when John Hills limped out of the action to be replaced by Alex Smith.

Preston pulled themselves back on level terms five minutes before the break, Matt Hill burst down the left and his shot cum shot was met by NEIL MELLOR inside the area and the former Liverpool man made no mistake from six yards.

Two minutes later NEIL MELLOR doubled his tally and put Preston into the lead when he slid home at the far post after Matt Hill had headed over Steinbors..

The second half was an open affair with both teams creating a number of chances, Andy Welsh almost put Pool back on level terms following a great ball from David Fox, but Welsh was blocked by Hart. Stuart Green twice failed to put Pool back on level terms the midfielder blazed over from 12 yards, whilst three minutes before the end he was denied by a fine save from Neal.

At the other end Hawley and Conchie went close, but the lack of quality in front of goal saw the scoreline remain 2-1 to the hosts.

Club Captain came through 62 minutes and will look to step up his comeback next Wednesday when Pool play host to Bury at Fleetwood Town.

Preston: Chris Neal; Hart (capt), Smyth, Trotman (sub Shearwood 45), Hill; Aspin, Fairhurst, Chaplow (sub Adam Barton 59), Lewis Neal; Hawley, Mellor (sub Conchie 45). Subs not used: Cudworth, Collins.

Blackpool: Steinbors; Coid, Jackson (sub Doughty 62), Trialist, Tierney; Welsh, Green, Fox, Hills (sub Smith 30); Wiles, Merrella. Subs not used: Eastham, Halstead, Lloyd.