Source: Team_Talk
Spoils shared in Lancashire hotpot
Clarke, who became Ian Holloway's first signing in the summer after he was released by Ipswich, opened the scoring after just 23 seconds with a sweetly-struck shot from 25 yards.[LNB]The 21-year-old striker went on to hit the woodwork twice in the first half but the Seasiders could not make their dominance pay and Wallace punished them with a fine goal seven minutes before the break.[LNB]The Scotland winger was booked after he ran to the visiting supporters to celebrate and a steward appeared to get injured after being caught up in the ensuing melee.[LNB]Preston deserved credit for grinding out a result after being outplayed for the majority of the first half by Holloway's vibrant side, whose point lifted them into sixth spot.[LNB]Clarke's goal was indicative of the attacking intent coursing through the home side and began with him collecting possession 30 yards from goal.[LNB]Clarke displayed neat skill to beat a Preston defender and cut infield before unleashing a dipping left-foot strike which flew into the bottom corner.[LNB]It was the perfect start and Blackpool should have been out of sight at half-time after fashioning a succession of openings which went begging.[LNB]Algeria striker Hameur Bouazza had the ball in the net after four minutes but was correctly ruled offside.[LNB]After Wallace forced home goalkeeper Matt Gilks into a fine parried save in the fifth minute, Blackpool went close again when Clarke shot straight at Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan from 12 yards out.[LNB]In the 15th minute, Blackpool striker Ben Burgess blazed wildly over the crossbar from a similar position.[LNB]Adam then saw a fine low shot pushed away by Lonergan before Clarke's hooked effort shaved a post in the 37th minute.[LNB]Seconds later, Preston were level when Wallace stepped up to curl a left-footed free-kick into the top corner and spark raucous scenes among the visiting supporters.[LNB]Yet Blackpool should have been back in front four minutes before the break when Clarke smashed a shot against the underside of the crossbar.[LNB]Blackpool went close after the restart when Adam shot and headed over in quick succession and then Bouazza and Burgess both shot wide.[LNB]Preston threatened fleetingly and Neil Mellor fired over with 18 minutes remaining but neither side could find the winning goal their supporters so desperately craved.[LNB][LNB]
