Blackpool 4-1 Carlisle United: Seasiders brush past National League side to progress to FA Cup third round
Blackpool claimed a 4-1 victory over Carlisle United to progress in the FA Cup.
Blackpool booked their place in the third round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 victory over Carlisle United.
Tom Bloxham edged the Seasiders in front after 13 minutes to ease the mood at Bloomfield Road following a tough few weeks.
A brace from Ashley Fletcher and one from Scott Banks followed, with Luke Armstrong’s second half goal proving to be nothing more than a consolation for the National League visitors.
The result ends a five game winless run for Ian Evatt’s side in all competitions ahead of a crucial period throughout December which could decide which direction their campaign is heading in.
Blackpool almost made the perfect start to the evening, with a scuffed close-range shot from Fletcher taking a deflection just wide, following a dangerous ball into the box from Zac Ashworth.
There were also early chances for the visitors, who looked determined to exploit the Seasiders’ current poor run in League One.
A well-worked corner routine saw Chris Conn-Clarke try his luck from distance, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell just about doing enough to scoop away the attempt.
Another chance fell to Fletcher just after the 10-minute mark. A touch from a George Honeyman cross was looping it way towards goal and would’ve found its way over the line but for an intervention from Aaron Hayden.
Blackpool made the most of their next attempt, with Bloxham opening the scoring.
After seeing one shot saved by Harry Lewis, Banks had worked his way into another good position on the rebound, but as he took his time releasing the ball, his teammate took over to find the bottom corner.
Conn-Clarke had an opportunity to almost immediately level the scores, but Peacock-Farrell was on hand with an impressive save to deny the out on loan Peterborough United man.
There were also chances for the Seasiders to quickly extend their lead, with Banks calling Lewis into action again.
On the other side of the half hour mark, the second goal of the evening did present itself. After finding himself in a bit of space, Emil Hansson slipped through Fletcher - who fired past the Cumbrians keeper.
Banks’ addition to the scoresheet came quickly after, with the wing-back firing past Lewis from distance to finally get the better of the 27-year-old.
Following the restart, Hayden had a golden opportunity to pull one back, but couldn’t get clean contact on the ball as it was fired across the face of goal.
Mark Hughes’ side didn’t waste their next chance, with Armstrong slipping a shot past Peacock-Farrell to breathe some life into the contest for a short period.
David Ajiboye came close to narrowing the deficit further moments after, but a fingertip from the Blackpool keeper kept him out.
Evatt’s men swiftly made the most of this down the other end, with Fletcher turning in a George Honeyman cross for his second of the afternoon to take any pressure off those in Tangerine.
From there, the Seasiders were able manage out proceedings, with a save from a late Armstrong shot being Carlisle’s only further chance, as they ensured their name would be in the upcoming draw.
Blackpool FC: Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Olly Casey, Fraser Horsfall, Zac Ashworth (60’), Scott Banks (57’), George Honeyman, Jordan Brown (60’), Emil Hansson (45’), Hayden Coulson, Ashley Fletcher (75’), Tom Bloxham.
Substitutes: Franco Ravizzoli, Andy Lyons, James Husband (60’), Lee Evans (45’), Albie Morgan, Josh Bowler (60’), CJ Hamilton (75’), Danny Imray (57’), Terry Bondo.
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