MATCH REPORT: AFC Blackpool 3 Carlisle City 0

A strong defensive display from AFC Blackpool saw them stun table-toppers Carlisle City at the Mechanics Ground.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Aug 2018, 23:58 BST
Updated 28th Aug 2018, 00:11 BST
Ben Duffield opens the scoring from the penalty spot Picture: GIBSONBen Duffield opens the scoring from the penalty spot Picture: GIBSON
Ben Duffield opens the scoring from the penalty spot Picture: GIBSON

The Cumbrians led the Hallmark Security League first division north table after winning their first six games but their 100 per cent record was smashed by AFC, who climb into fourth place. Just 48 hours on from their home draw with struggling Daisy Hill, Dave Worthington was forced into five changes. Elliot Dickson made his full debut and Alex Pickering, brother of captain Danny, made his first appearance in a much-changed defence which also included Ryan Vaughan, making a welcome return to the club.Martin Baird also returned to the back line and Carnan Dawson started on the left wing.AFC were 1-0 up within four minutes, when last season’s top scorer Ben Duffield to slotted a penalty past Carlisle keeper Stephen Townsley. AFC dominated for a short period but could not add a second goal, and they had fortune on their side when the referee awarded Carlisle a free-kick just outside the box and not the penalty they were appealing for. Thomas Lucock’s set-piece was saved by Alex Cameron.The visitors had more chances in the first half but AFC changed ends with their lead intact.Blackpool went close to a second shortly after the restart when Dickson’s curling shot from the right hit the bar, with keeperTownsley beaten. The second goal soon followed on 53 minutes, when Townsley could only palm the ball into the path of Duffield, who doubled his tally.Townsley saved from Carnan Dawson, who was a constant threat down the left wing, while the defence of Baird, Betteridge, Vaughan and Alex Pickering held firm in front of confident keeper Alex Cameron.There was to be no nailbiting for home supporters as the clock ticked down, and Dickson capped his fine performance with a goal in the last minute.This was a much-improved AFC performance, and they hope to continue this form in Saturday’s FA Vase first qualifying tie at home to Northern Counties League side Nostell Miners Welfare from West Yorkshire.Blackpool: Cameron, Baird, Betteridge, Vaughan, A Pickering, D Pickering, Dickson, Fishwick, Duffield, Bishop, Dawson; subs; Williams, Mottram, Bradley, Penn, Broadstock

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