AFC Blackpool 1 Knaresborough Town 0: Supporters back to see FA Vase victory

A spectacular debut goal from John-Jo Morris minutes before the half-time whistle was enough for Martin Baird’s side to seal victory in the first qualifying round against visitors from the North Counties East League.

It was down the left hand side that AFC looked most dangerous, with both Carnan Dawson and Ben Roberts threatening early on.

Mark Buchan, who was a thorn in the visitors’ backline all afternoon, was sent through on 26 minutes but looked for a pass instead of testing the keeper.

The North Yorkshire visitors posed few problems in the first half and AFC broke the deadlock shortly before the break.

Winger Morris, one of three debutants on display, saw the keeper off his line and chipped him from fully 30 yards.

AFC could have doubled their lead five minutes into the second half, when Joe Robinson had a great chance. The midfielder got on the end of a free-kick but headed wide.

Knaresborough created a couple of half-chances, but neither a shot from the edge of the box nor a header from a corner tested Alex Cameron in the AFC goal.

Blackpool substitute Corey Harrison used his pace to get away from his marker on 66 minutes but nobody in Tangerine could get on the end of his lovely low cross.

The visitors pilled on the pressure late on in their search for an equaliser but AFC defended solidly to see out the game.

They visit County Durham next month to face Esh Winning in the next round.

Blackpool: Cameron, Bishop, Cassidy, Ikin, Dawson, Sumner, Robinson, Thomas, Morris, Buchan, Roberts. Subs: Donaghy, Simmons, Pickering, McKenna, Harrison.