Blackpool’s second team came unstuck at home to Kirkby Lonsdale’s first team, going down 5-2 and losing their unbeaten record in the midst of it.
Kirkby came out of the blocks much the stronger and penned Blackpool back in their own half in the opening exchanges however it was the home side who came closest to breaking the deadlock when good work between Adam George and Martin Hayes resulted in the latter winning a penalty flick. Hayes stepped up but saw his tame effort strike the post. The one-way traffic of Kirkby attacks continued as they were able to spray the ball around at will. The deadlock was eventually broken on the twenty-five minute mark when one of Kirby’s young midfielders picked up the ball around the half-way line and passed numerous Blackpool players at ease before firing home under the body of Graeme Kilshaw in the Blackpool goal. The away side’s lead was soon doubled shortly after when a switch off a the back allowed the opposition acres of space to simply lift the ball over Kilshaw into the net and 2-0 was how it stayed until the half-time.
Blackpool came out a much stronger and determined side after the break getting themselves right back into the game as solid interlink play between Ollie Thomlinson and Will Pickles set up Adam George for a clinical finish to half the deficit. At this point Blackpool were the stronger side however the pace and skill of the Kirkby Lonsdale youngsters was always going to be a threat and they were able to restore the two goal advantage catching the home side on the break. Soon after they put the game to bed in controversial circumstances with a goal more at home on the football pitch rather than hockey; as the ball bobbling its way around the D, helped on its way by numerous Kirkby feet, undetected by the umpires, the ball fell to an opposition striker who was able to powerfully strike the ball into the goal. Blackpool’s heads began to drop and Kirkby were able to add a fifth before Andy Mortimer was deployed up field as a striker in search of a consolation goal. Mortimer got the goal his overall man of the match display deserved as it collected the ball and powerfully lashed home a lovely finish on the turn leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
5-2 the final result and the 2s could have no complaints being beaten by a better side on the day.