Wallace stunner denies Pool

Wallace curls home his free-kick

Preston came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Blackpool in a thrilling Lancashire derby at Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool got off to a flying start with Billy Clarke firing the home side in front after just 22 seconds with a superb curling effort from the edge of the box.

Preston drew level on 38 minutes with Ross Wallace netting a brilliant free-kick from 25 yards into the top corner.

Both sides wasted chances to win the game as the two local rivals had to settle for a share of the spoils.

The points lifts Blackpool into sixth spot, while Preston remain in 13th.

Clarke's goal was indicative of the attacking intent coursing through the home side and began with him collecting possession 30 yards from goal.

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.

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.

Offside

Algeria striker Hameur Bouazza had the ball in the net after four minutes but was correctly ruled offside.

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.

In the 15th minute, Blackpool striker Ben Burgess blazed wildly over the crossbar from a similar position.

Charlie Adam then saw a fine low shot pushed away by Lonergan before Clarke's hooked effort shaved a post in the 37th minute.

Equaliser

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.

Yet Blackpool should have been back in front four minutes before the break when Clarke smashed a shot against the underside of the crossbar.

Blackpool went close after the restart when Adam shot and headed over in quick succession and then Bouazza and Burgess both shot wide.

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.