Blackpool v Aston Villa U21 ratings: Centre-half’s man-of-the-match performance in Seasiders’ victory
Blackpool finished their Jersey Mike’s Trophy group stage campaign with victory over Aston Villa’s U21s at Bloomfield Road.
Two second-half goals gave Blackpool a 3-2 win against Aston Villa’s youngsters in their Jersey Mike’s Trophy group stage match at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday.
Zac Ashworth cancelled out Fletcher Boyd’s opener for the visitors to make it 1-1 at half-time, after which Jerry Yates and Jordan Brown gave the Seasiders breathing space.
Markie Meade pulled one back for Villa in added time but it was Ian Evatt’s players who took victory in the end.
Here’s how the players rated:
Luke Southwood 6: A vocal presence in goal. Looked as if he might have done better with Villa’s opener.
Andy Lyons 6.5: Looked comfortable enough and got the assist for Ashworth’s equaliser.
Olly Casey 7.5: Solid display in the centre of the defence. Produced a timely challenge to thwart Villa at 2-1.
Zac Ashworth 6.5: Equalised from close range but, as with Munroe, had his hands full with Villa’s Trai-Varn Mulley.
Ilmari Niskanen 5.5: Moved to the right-hand side and got into good positions without providing the final pass.
Leighton Clarkson 6: Looked to get on the ball but had problems trying to break down Villa’s defence.
Jordan Brown 7: Kept it simple in front of the back three and scored Blackpool’s third with a fine finish.
Hayden Coulson 6: Given a role in the centre of midfield and was tidy without standing out.
Finley Munroe 6.5: One of the brighter players going forward initially but was caught out defensively on occasions.
Dale Taylor 6: Flicked one first-half effort over the bar as chances proved to be at a premium.
Dion Charles 6: Missed a great opportunity to give the Seasiders an early lead.
Substitutes
Josh Bowler 6.5: Cross led to Yates’ penalty before playing the pass for Brown’s stunning goal.
Jerry Yates 6.5: Put Pool ahead from12 yards after coming on at the break.
Tom Bloxham 6: Another half-time arrival, a heavy touch cost him one possible opportunity.
Fraser Horsfall 6: Showed some understandable rust in his first match since April.
Albie Morgan 6: Looked to keep things ticking over in the final 20 minutes.