AFC Blackpool 2 Charnock Richard 1: AFC come from behind to end season on a high

Blackpool have not played a competitive game in 2021 but have returned to friendly action since lockdown restrictions were eased a month ago.

Manager Martin Baird welcomed back Joe Robinson and Connor Bishop, who had missed the previous outing at Bamber Bridge two weeks earlier.

Baird’s men started the game on the front foot against a Charnock side who play a division above them in the North West Counties League and created a good early chance

Captain Danny Pickering won the ball back but Billy McKenna headed wide from Jacob Aspinall's cross.

But it was the visitors who opened the scoring, seizing on loose passing by AFC in their own half as Brad Carsley tapped home.

AFC’s best chance of the first half fell to Ben Roberts in the 29th minute. He took on the Charnock defencee and tried to curl the ball into the top corner only to see his effort hit the crossbar.

The home side seemed to switch off as half-time approached but Charnock squandered chances to add to their lead.

Home boss Baird introduced Ben Duffield and Corey Harrison for the second half as he looked for a reaction from his side.

Harrison was fouled on the left wing but the resulting free-kick was headed wide by Fran Donaghy at the back-post.

AFC soon made the pressure count after Jacob Aspinall won the ball high up the pitch.

He found Roberts, who beat his man and crossed for substitute Duffield to finish at the back post.

Duffield's pressing then gave Danny Taylor a chance to give AFC the lead but he shot into the keeper's arms.

AFC were grateful for Kyle Higham's vital block at the other end but they scored the winner on 72 minutes.

Three substitutes combined as Mark Buchan flicked the ball round the corner to Duffield and he found Harrison, who took a touch before firing low into the bottom corner.

Blackpool: Hall, Hughes, Donaghy, Higham, Bishop, Pickering, Robinson, Aspinall, Roberts, McKenna, Taylor; subs: Duffield, Ikin, Dela Cruz, Harrison, Buchan.

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