Gary Bowyer provides positive update after injury scares to Blackpool forwards

Bowyer was relieved not to pick up any major injuries during today's friendly double header

MATCH REPORT: Port Vale 0-1 Blackpool

In this lunchtime's 2-1 win at Nantwich Town, the first of two Blackpool games today, Mark Cullen was forced to be brought off after falling awkwardly on his knee.

The striker, who missed much of last season after undergoing surgery on his hamstring, managed to walk off the pitch but was later spotted with an ice pack on his leg.

Delfouneso, Blackpool's match winner against Port Vale, was subbed off in the second half after falling awkwardly

Nathan Delfouneso also hobbled off the pitch in Pool's 1-0 win at Port Vale later in the day - again after suffering an awkward fall.

But Bowyer, speaking to The Gazette after the win at Vale Park, suggested the knocks shouldn't be as bad as first feared.

“They were two very good games in terms of what we wanted to achieve, that being getting as close to 90 minutes as possible into everybody. We did that," he said.

“The next objective after that is to make sure no one is injured, and touch wood we’ve come through unscathed.

“There were a couple of scares with Mark Cullen and Nathan Delfouneso but they seem to have settled down very quickly. So it was probably just the reaction of them falling more than anything else.

“I think we knew that the game against Port Vale in particular was going to present us with a challenge and that turned out to be the case.

“We started well and played some good football, but there’s still a lot of work for us to do.

“You need to remember we’ve brought in 13 or 14 new bodies, as ever that takes time and it’s work on the grass that needs to be done.”

MATCH REPORT: Nantwich Town 1-2 Blackpool

Delfouneso was the man to score Pool's game at Vale Park, while Cullen and new signing Marc Bola found the back of the net at Nantwich.

The game at Nantwich's Weaver Stadium included six trialists. When asked if any managed to catch his eye, Bowyer seemed doubtful.

After a long pause, Bowyer said: “I think we might have a look at one or two of the younger trialists that were there.

“But I was delighted with the attitude and performances of the senior lads that were playing.

“Marc Bola was terrific in his first game for us at both left back as well as right back, as was Nick Anderton.

“It was great to get more minutes into Mark Cullen and Harry Pritchard has done ever so well for us since he’s come in.

“He looks a real threat going forwards, capable of scoring goals and he has some good quality.”