Big fundraiser follows a massive win for AFC Blackpool

AFC Blackpool (blue) in action at Litherland
Picture: NICK GERRARD — AFC Blackpool (blue) in action at Litherland Picture: NICK GERRARD

Their title-chasing hosts had won 14 of their previous 16 first division games in 2018, their only defeat back in January.

The win just about keeps AFC's play-off hopes alive and was all the sweeter because manager Dave Worthington could again name only three substitutes.

They took the lead after just 12 minutes after good build-up play. Jamie Nay linked up with Zack Hargreaves, who released winger Billy McKenna on the edge of the penalty area. He turned well, beat his man and with his second touch shot low into the left side of the net.

Both sides then hit the crossbar, Stephen King for the home side and Hargreaves for AFC.

Just as it looked as if AFC would go into the break in the lead, two quick goals turned the game on its head.

Alex Ryan equalised on 40 minutes, then three minutes later Marvin Molyneux headed home from a free-kick to give the hosts a 2-1 interval advantage.

It was all square on 68 minutes, when leading scorer Ben Duffield equalised, and Blackpool received a further boost when a second yellow card for Rory Middleston left the hosts with 10 men.

The winner came five minutes from time, when Alex Caunce met Nay's free-kick with a decisive half-volley.

AFC are six points outside the play-off zone with six to play and aim to close the gap further at Carlisle City on Tuesday (7.45pm).

They are at home to Cheadle Town on Saturday, when the 3pm match will double up as a fundraiser for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

AFC player Jamie Nay is behind the fundraiser as his son Arthur, not yet two years old, is receiving treatment at Alder Hey for a rare condition which affects his ability to eat.

Arthur will play for Foxhall Under-6s in a curtain-raiser against AFC Blackpool, kicking-off at 2.15pm.

Besides collections at the game, some of the money taken at the turnstiles will be donated to Alder Hey.

Blackpool: Kirkland, Nay, Betteridge, Caunce, Cassidy, Pickering, McKenna, Hargreaves, Duffield, Fishwick, Dawson; subs: Gregory, Taylor, Baird.