AFC Blackpool 5 Blackpool XI 2: Second-half goals see AFC bounce back from defeat

Watched by Blackpool head coach Neil Critchley and chief executive Ben Mansford, the game was an end-to-end affair during the first 45 minutes.

AFC started the game well with the front line constantly pressing and putting Blackpool under pressure.

That paid off after nine minutes when AFC opened the scoring, a trialist netting after Joe Robinson’s low drive was spilled by the keeper.

It didn’t take the visitors long to equalise as a defensive mix-up allowed Brad Holmes in and he squared for Ewan Bange to tap home.

In a manic opening 20 minutes, AFC then retook the lead as a lovely crossfield ball from Jamie Thomas found Ben Roberts, who took the ball in his stride before rounding the keeper and tapping in.

Both keepers also made good saves with Alex Cameron quickly off his line to prevent an equaliser, as was the case at the other end as AFC sought another goal.

Blackpool did find an equaliser on the stroke of half-time with offside claims turned down as Rob Apter fired low into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.

The visitors made seven changes at the break, after which AFC went in front as Thomas’ free-kick was headed into his own goal by the unfortunate Michael Fitzgerald.

A last-ditch tackle denied Roberts after he was sent through one-on-one but a fourth goal arrived when Thomas scored directly from a corner.

AFC manager Martin Baird introduced several substitutes in the second half, including a couple from the Under-18s.

The scoring was completed when pressure saw AFC win possession with Mark Buchan chipping the ball to Ryan Charnley, who took a touch and fired home.

AFC Blackpool: Cameron, Simmons, Trialist, Trialist, Sumner, Harrison, Robinson, Thomas, Roberts, Leyland, Trialist.