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Blackpool started brightly on Saturday against rivals Lancaster in a game that was a must win for both sides. For the 1st 10 minutes the game was all Blackpool but chances in the D were few and far between. Lancaster gradually got into the game and the remainder of the game was an end to end spectacle played in a very good spirit between two good sides.
Lancaster opened the scoring through a neat short corner and held their lead until half time. Blackppol came out for the 2nd half knowing the game could be won and were level within 10 minutes. Whitley robbed his opposite number of the ball and fed an exquistite through ball to Captain Morgan who sprinted in to the D and calmly nut megged the Lancaster keeper.
All even and Blackpool continued to push, good work by the Morrow brothers and 1st team debutee Declan O’Hara led to a number of chances in the Lancaster D but each time good tackling stopped any further goals. Lancaster were also attacking and Blackpool’s defence of Wright, Abbot, Pasqualino, Mortimer and Bould were unlucky to give away a number of short corners. Eventually though, Lancaster capitalised on one, a qood flick rebounded off goalkeeper Kilshaw straight back to the opposition forward who calmly slotted into the net.
Blackpool seemed to lose confidnce at this point and the opposition’s pass and move play led to an easy third goal being scored. However, Blackpool did rally and were on top for the last 15 minutes. O’Hara dribbled down the left wing and a bad foul resulted in a short corner. Blackpool used one of their mystery routines and had shots from Whitley and Blacow saved, the latter’s resulting in a penalty flick being awarded. Kieron Morrow stepped up and stroked the ball past the keeper for 3-2.
The last 10 minutes was all Blackpool pressure and the team showed the spirit that will be required if they are to stay in Division 3 next season. Unfortunately, the equaliser just would not come and Lancaster came out the winners, but Blackpool can hold their heads up high and look forward to hosting Bebbington this Saturday, for the last game before the Christmas break.
© Dave Morgan 3/12/07