Blackpool are just two points behind new Northern Premier League leadesr Kendal after Sri Lankan professional Sejeewa Weerakoon, produced a brilliant match-winning innings of 93 not out (including three sixes and eight fours) to see them to a five wicket win over Morecambe.

Blackpool were rocking at 84 for 5 chasing their victory target of 178 but skipper Paul Danson again came in to settle things down, supporting Weerakoon with a vital 28 not out in an unbroken partnership of 94.

Morecambe's professional, New Zealander Bruce Martin underpinned his side's total of 177 for 9 with a disciplined innings of 70 while Phil Dennison supplied valuable support with 46. The hostile Richard Gleeson took five for 64 for Blackpool.

Left-arm spinner Martin then took four wickets before Weerakoon saw Blackpool home with nearly seven overs remaining at a sunlit Stanley Park.

St Annes moved up to fourth after Stephen Twist's fine innings of 62 not out saw them overhaul Preston's total of 213 for 6 with eight balls to spare.

Twist's fourth-wicket partnership of 101 with professional Mansoor Ahmed (48) was crucial though Rhys Williams returned from holiday to take four wickets for Preston.

Paul Mann and professional Bilal Asad had opened with a stand of 75 for Preston but none of their batsmen reached 40.