PNE classic game series: Blackpool 2 Preston North End 3 - a fine day at the seaside for Tony Ellis

The PNE striker scored a hat-trick as the Lilywhites won at Bloomfield Road in the league for the first time since 1961.

What Ellis could actually recall of his treble is open to debate.

Just prior to scoring the third goal, he was sparked out cold by a robust challenge from Seasiders defender Gary Briggs.

These days, Briggs could well have seen red and Ellis might have been going off because of head injury protocol.

As it was, Ellis managed to get up off the floor and moments later found the net with a precision finish.

These were the early days of Sam Allardyce’s reign as caretaker manager.

Les Chapman had been dismissed on the back of a mixed start to the season.

Allardyce’s first game in temporary charge had seen PNE beaten by Plymouth.

So beating Blackpool in their own back yard was a huge boost for him and more than 3,000 Preston fans.

North End struck early to get a strong foothold in the game, one which they never really let go of.

Mike Flynn’s long throw-in dropped towards Ellis in the box and he headed home.

When Tangerines keeper Steve McIlhargey couldn’t hold an 11th-minute shot from Lee Ashcroft, Ellis pounced to make it 2-0.

Blackpool cut the deficit just before half-time, David Eyres’ cross headed in at the back post by Trevor Sinclair.

Early in the second half, Ellis was sparked out and needed lengthy attention from the physio.

When play resumed, John Tinkler’s low cross from the inside-right channel found Ellis in the box.

Ellis turned smartly and steered a low shot into the far bottom corner, the striker sliding on his knees to celebrate with the away fans.

Briggs forced in Blackpool’s second goal late on but PNE held out for victory.