It was the first time that the two sides had met in three years but with this match following on just over 48 hours after the league opener Simon Grayson made changes to freshen up his side.
Hayhurst started on the left as Humphrey dropped to the bench with Holmes starting out wide. Preston played with two up top with Wroe dropping to the bench. Hume partnered Garner up front.
The game followed on from the draw against Wolves on Saturday. It was a tight affair with chances few and far between. The match looked like heading towards extra time as neither side really looked like getting a breakthrough.
Blackpool came close in the second half when Chopra headed into the ground but the ball bounced over the bar. There were the other odd attempts but nothign to write home about.
The goal came with less than five minutes left. Holmes curled in a free kick and Clarke managed to find some space at the back post to nod home to give North End the victory.
Wild celebrations ensued at the end including a pitch invasion although thankfully the majority stayed in the stands whilst the polcie and stewards acted to clear the pitch. The club may well face punishment for the crowd behaviour from the authorities.
Preston now need to build on the early season momentum. Two clean sheets against a Championship side and one that is expected to top League One will put Preston in good stead for the rest of the season but it is all about getting more points on the board this Saturday at Rotherham.