The Tangerines secured all three points to go to the top of the league thanks to a Lewis Loughran hat-trick against Preston North End ‘B’
The striker scored the majority of the goals in a dominant 5-0 win over Preston North End (B), as they now climb to the top of the league. It was a quiet start to proceedings with both teams jostling for possession early on, with the Seasiders looking to take a hold of the game.
The Blackpool BTEC students created a few early opportunities but came to no prevail until Kai Clarkson-Lowe powered past the PNE right back and delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal. The Lilywhites centre half misplaced his clearance into his own net.
This slice of fortune spurred The Pool on with a second goal following quickly. A threatening corner reached the back post where Corey Bethel cut the ball back for Lewis Loughran, who blasted the ball into the bottom left hand corner, giving him his first goal of the match and doubling Blackpool’s lead in the process.
Ten minutes later Lewis found himself 1 on 1 with The Lilywhites keeper, as the defender diverted his header behind him. Lewis took full advantage and finished with his right foot into the top right hand corner of the net, furthering the scoreline just before halftime.
HALF TIME: BLACKPOOL FC 3 – 0 PRESTON NORTH END ‘B’
Preston started to come into the game in the second half, retaining the ball well and gaining set pieces in dangerous areas. The Whites number 11 had a free header at the far post from a PNE corner but his chance went begging and sailed over the bar.
After a spell of sustained pressure from Preston, Blackpool broke quickly on the left side with Kai Clarkson-Lowe going round the opposition right back with ease. He supplied a brilliant ball, which caused chaos in the Preston penalty area. The keeper prevented another own goal by making a great save onto the post from a misplaced clearance by the centre half.
This was followed in by Jack Robbins who was also denied by the keeper. However, Lewis was in the right place at the right time and buried the rebound giving the pool a 4-0 lead and him his hat-trick.
On another day the score line could have been more, with Blackpool continuing to create chances throughout. The Pool scored their 5th and final goal of the game five minutes from time with Kai setting up Jack Robbins to earn himself a well deserved goal by placing the ball firmly into the bottom left hand corner, leaving the keeper rooted to his spot.
This capped off a brilliant win and means Blackpool FC BTEC students are top of the league.
FULL TIME: BLACKPOOL FC 5 – 0 PRESTON NORTH END ‘B’
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