Monday 17 June 2013 17:44, UK
Preston full-back Scott Laird is relishing the prospect of a Capital One Cup derby with Blackpool early on in the new season.
The Lancashire rivals were paired together in Monday morning's first-round draw and North End will defend their proud record of never having tasted defeat to the Tangerines in either domestic cup competition. "That's a nice piece of history that we'd definitely like to keep and I'm sure if we apply ourselves then we will have a great chance," Laird told the Lilywhites' official website. "We all know when Deepdale gets going it's rocking and the fans are very vocal. It's a hard place to come as an opposing team and, for us, it's definitely an advantage if we can get as many fans through the door, it'll be brilliant for everyone in the city. "We need a big crowd through the door and all the fans are telling me how big the game is. But we know as footballers how important local derbies and bragging rights are, especially if they're not in our league, and we don't get to play them every year. "It's always a special occasion when we do get to play them so it's going to be a great game and one everyone is looking forward to."
