The hosts were 2-0 up at half-time thanks to a fine finish from former Tangerines star Brad Potts and a clever free-kick from Ben Whiteman.
Tom Cannon capped a quick counter-attack with a superb strike six minutes after the break to wrap up the win, but Jerry Yates did score a late close-range consolation.
The result is a significant boost to Preston’s play-off ambitions, but defeat leaves Blackpool second from bottom in the table.
“I believe we’ve got the fight and determination to survive, but it’s whether we’ve got the quality,” said McCarthy.
“We’ve not taken our chances, we’ve conceded another three goals today, and we’re not helping ourselves.
“We are under pressure we know that, and we’re trying our best to stay in the league.
“We’ve got more proper scraps like this to come – that’s the way the Championship is.
Denne historien er fra April 02, 2023-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra April 02, 2023-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
Swans bid to mark new era in style...
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.