AFC Blackpool 4 Pilkington 1: Mechanics' first-half goal spree and Squires Gate win too

James Boyd scores the winning goal for Squires Gate against Litherland REMYCA Picture: ALBERT COOPER

The visitors from St Helens took an early lead from the penalty spot but Martin Baird’s side had the match won by half-time with goals from Jamie Thomas, Ben Roberts, Billy McKenna and Conah Bishop.

Pilkington posed an early threat and had two efforts cleared off the line before a foul on Miguel Gillam saw them awarded a spot-kick after only four minutes.

Phil Marsh tucked this away before the Mechanics took a grip on proceedings.

Thomas equalised in the 19th minute with a powerful effort from distance which flew in off a post.

And just three minutes AFC took the lead with an even better goal.

Roberts collected a ball over the top and turned his defender before unleashing a powerful effort into the top corner.

McKenna created a good chance for Bishop on 39 minutes but his effort was well saved by keeper Patrick McLoughlin.

But there was still time for AFC to score twice more before the interval and McKenna was on target himself in the 44th minute.

A Pilkington defender misjudged a back-header straight into the path of McKenna, who calmly chipped the keeper.

And on the stroke of half-time it was 4-1, Bishop converting Roberts’ fine cross at the back post.

Thomas almost notched his second on the hour only to see another long-distance strike tipped over by the keeper.

Pilkington refused to give up and went close to pulling one back when Daniel Greene fired over following a good run and cross by Nathan Moore.

Only four points separate 10 clubs in a very tight table and this win saw Blackpool leap up to seventh, just behind Pilkington on goal difference.

AFC’s next game is away to another club in the same pack, ninth-placed Golcar United from Huddersfield, on Friday evening at 8pm.

Mid-table Squires Gate bounced back from successive premier division defeats to beat bottom club Litherland REMYCA 1-0 in Marton.

James Boyd scored the only goal 10 minutes before half-time and this was enough for a win which lifted Gate one place to 11th.