Preston missed the chance to boost their play-off hopes after going down to a 1-0 defeat to Blackpool.
Adam strike sinks Preston at Deepdale
Preston North End missed the chance to boost their play-off hopes after going down to a 1-0 defeat to Blackpool.
The Lilywhites could have moved within a point of local rivals Burnley with a victory, but Charlie Adam's goal gave The Seasiders all three points at Deepdale.
Adam, who is currently on loan from SPL giants Rangers, struck two minutes before half-time after collecting possession 22 yards from goal before drilling a left-footed shot in off a post.
The three-point haul moves Blackpool eight points clear of third-from-bottom Nottingham Forest meaning Tony Parkes' side are a good bet to retain their Championship status.
Blackpool were vibrant throughout and on-loan Leicester striker DJ Campbell caused the Preston backline problems with his pace and clever movement.
In the third minute he engineered the space to drive in a right-foot shot which North End midfielder Chris Sedgwick blocked.
Crucial block
The pendulum swung in Preston's favour and visiting defender Shaun Barker threw himself in front of Jon Parkin's shot to make a crucial block.
Parkin then headed wide from the subsequent corner by Lee Williamson but moments later Preston carved out another opportunity when Ross Wallace's delightful cross found Stephen Elliott but he headed weakly wide.
Yet Blackpool always carried a goal threat and Ben Burgess' header was parried around a post by home goalkeeper Andy Lonergan in the 13th minute.
Four minutes later Wallace curled a brilliant free-kick against a post from 25 yards but Burgess had a shot shortly before the half-hour mark and Campbell's follow-up shot was blocked.
Only goal of the game
Adam struck in the 43rd minute to hand Blackpool the lead after Wallace had carelessly squandered possession.
Blackpool soaked up long periods of pressure as the game progressed and Adam almost doubled his tally in the 54th minute with a right-foot shot which deflected out for a corner.
Four minutes later he rifled a fierce free-kick narrowly wide of Lonergan's left-hand post and on the hour mark Blackpool midfielder David Vaughan shot wide from eight yards.
North End offered little and only when the ball crossed the line late on - only to be ruled out for an apparent infringement - did their supporters have cause to get excited.
Preston substitute Neil Mellor was lively when he came on but there was to be no equaliser as Blackpool held on for a thoroughly-deserved success.