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Blackpool Men’s ones are not giving up on sneaking into the promotion places after a 4-2 win away at Bebington. The slow pitch wasn’t really suited to Blackpool’s fast break style of hockey, but they quickly found their feet and raced into a 2 goal lead. The first was Blackpool at their creative best. A flowing move beginning at left back saw the ball switch back and forth across the full width of the pitch and eventually found Dave Morgan who netted his 34th league goal of the season to extend his lead on the division’s top scorers list. The second came via a penalty corner; Dan Woodman slipped the ball across to Ian Swaine who, despite the pressure from two closing defenders, hammered the ball into the corner of the goal. Blackpool appeared to relax at this point, and allowed Bebington to come back into the game. The lead was halved after too many Blackpool players failed to close a Bebington forward down, and he produced a great finish to beat Nick Rainbow from a tight angle. The remainder of the first half was scratchy, as both sides threatened, without forcing the keepers into making many saves.
After a quick team talk at half time, Blackpool came out flying just as in the first half. Ian Swaine grabbed his second after he was strangely allowed to run uncontested into the Bebington area and get his shot off past the helpless goalkeeper. Swaine’s celebration towards the increasing home crowd only helped the already ‘lively’ atmosphere on the side of the pitch, which Nathan Woodman seemed to bear the brunt of. Then again, some say he deserved it for the headband he was wearing! The game was killed off when Swaine scored Blackpool’s fourth and his hatrick, to earn him man of the match, but there was just enough time for a Bebington consolation goal, albeit in a somewhat controversial manner.
Two games to go, and if Blackpool can pick up maximum points they are guaranteed third, but are breathing right down the necks of Lymm for second place who can’t afford to slip up in their run in.