Blackpool 1XI 5 – 4 Lancaster Uni
Back in Division 3, Blackpool found themselves up against old foes Lancaster Uni and their history of high scoring close games continued. Despite Blackpool making the early pressure it was the students who scored first when scrambling in a shot from a short corner. Blackpool continued to attack and won their own short corner which was duly despatched by Dave Morgan, the club’s top scorer.
A mistake by Blackpool’s veteran defender Pete Latimer gave the ball back to Lancaster just outside the circle and they were able to make a couple of passes for an easy tap-in. Once again Blackpool had to come from behind and they quickly did with another short corner, this time scored by Steve Whitley.
There were injuries to both Kieran Harris and Adam George during the first half so both subs were used early on, but this proved no distraction to the team. It was another short corner that gave Blackpool the deserved lead, when Ian Swaine fed Mike Thom a yard from goal.
The second half started perfectly when an attack down the left led to Ian Swaine shooting at range, with an unlucky Lancaster defender deflecting past his own keeper.
More injuries for Blackpool as Pete Latimer had to hobble off. Blackpool pulled out a three goal lead from yet another short corner. Kieran Harris wasn’t allowed the time for a drag flick, so instead he kept possession and got a pass off to Steve Whitley whose shot flew into the back of the net.
Harris himself came off after a hit on his ankle, the Blackpool players started to tire and perhaps became slightly complacent. The game opened up and more mistakes crept into the game. Lancaster managed to score two goal from short corners which led to a nervous last few minutes for Blackpool. Captain Nick Rainbow made a vital save and he could finally celebrate the side’s return to Division 3 with a 5-4 win. Rob Dingle, on his league début for Blackpool after his move from rivals Lytham, was voted Man of the Match.
Blackpool 2XI 6 – 3 Carlisle
Blackpool 2nds first game in Division 7 was against their old rivals Carlisle 2nds who they’d pipped to the second automatic promotion place from Division 8 unbeknown that the top 4 would all be promoted due to some league restructuring. As with all games against Carlisle it was a tight affair for a long while but the nucleus of the side remains the same as last year and gradually Backpool pulled ahead and in the end were comfortable 6-3 winners. Simon Thomas, the newly appointed Vice Captain, led by example by bagging two goals. There was an impressive début by Spanish student De La Lastra who scored a goal, and the other scorers were Martin Hayes, David Wright,and Matthew Atherton.
Blackburn Northern 10 – 0 Blackpool 3XI
Blackpool 3rds travelled to last years champions Blackburn Northern 2nds boasting 7 Under 16s, however the experienced Blackburn team gelled from the start and were 3-0 up at Half Time. In a 5 minute spell after the break, the score had increased to 7-0 after some miscommunication in defence and some sloppy work. Pool’s best play came in the later stages of both halves, but only forced the opposition keeper into making a couple of saves. Blackburn kicked on with their impressive No.15 and finished the scoring at 10-0.