Blackpool’s Third Team gained their second win of the season after edging a 7 goal thriller with Keswick’s Third Team. Missing several of their regular experienced players, Blackpool struggled to find their passing rhythm in the opening minutes and it was the visitors who took the lead. An initial shot was saved by Toby Jeffrey in the Blackpool goal but the ball fell to a Keswick player at the top of the D who coolly slotted home. Blackpool then fought back and good work by Ashlie Holmes and Corey Stott in the midfield was starting to create openings for Keiffer Walker-Earnshaw whose pace was troubling the Keswick back line. After several chances came and went for Blackpool, the ball was passed to Keiffer Walker-Earnshaw who took the ball into the D and struck home to equalise.
With the half time score at 1-1, captain Craig Nutter decided that attack was the best form of defence in the 2nd half, moving Kieran Ablett forwards from left back to support the attack. This plan seemed to be a good one as Blackpool started the second half on the front foot. However Keswick remained a threat and took the lead from a short corner when, after initially breaking down, the ball was played back into the Blackpool D and deflected into the goal. Not to be deterred Blackpool responded with 2 goals. Keiffer Walker-Earnshaw striking home into one corner after receiving the ball in the D then slotting home into the other corner after being sent clear of the Keswick defence to complete his first senior hat-trick. Leading 3-2, Blackpool were then reduced to 10 men for 5 minutes. Keswick took this opportunity to pile more players forwards in search of an equaliser leaving Blackpool unable to clear their lines. Eventually the pressure told and Keswick scored again to make the score 3-3. The final passage of play was end to end with both teams looking for the winner. The decisive 7th goal fell to Blackpool. A short corner was awarded and from the top of the D, Keiffer Walker-Earnshaw struck powerfully through the keepers legs. Blackpool managed to see out the final 5 minutes without alarm to hold on for victory.
Blackpool’s Man of the Match was Keiffer Walker-Earnshaw but there were also notable performances from Will Turnbull, playing in an unfamiliar central midfield role, and Steve Pope and Craig Nutter at the back, who largely kept the Keswick forward line in check.