AFC Blackpool 3 Cleator Moor Celtic 1: Two for Thomas as Mechs earn first points of season after Covid closedown

Jamie Thomas gave the Mechanics a half-time lead, then the Cumbrians equalised before strikes from Ben Duffield and Thomas’ second got the hosts up and running in first division north.

Blackpool found themselves under pressure in the early stages at a rain-lashed Jepson Way and lost captain Danny Pickering to an early injury, Conner Ikin taking the armband.

And the hosts were grateful for some outstanding goalkeeping by man of the match William Marment, who didn’t put a foot wrong.

Some 76 spectators braved the elements and Blackpool were spurred on by the support of the Tin Hut brigade, who were rewarded with Thomas’ cool finish in a one-on-one with the keeper after 36 minutes

However, CMC looked determined after the break and equalised on 50 minutes through substitute Ryan Hall.

That didn’t faze a Mechs side who looked solid and cohesive, and introduced Dave Rossall just in time for Duffield to get the better of his marker and blast his side back in front on 67 minutes.

Thomas sealed it with a superb 30-yard strike to leave Blackpool with three points from two games, though tomorrow’s scheduled trip to Sheffield to face Hallam in the FA Vase will not be taking place.

Blackpool: Marment, Bishop, Harrison, Pickering, Ikin, Morris, Sumner, Duffield, Thomas, Robinson; subs; Dawson, Buchan, Whitehead, Rossall, Aspinall.

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