A behind-closed-doors friendly between Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers ended in a 1-1 draw.

Blackpool defender Olly Casey picked up his first minutes of the summer on Wednesday night.

The Seasiders took on Blackburn Rovers in a behind-closed-doors friendly, with Ryoya Morishita and Niall Ennis scoring either side of the break as the game finished in a 1-1 draw.

Due to an ankle injury, Casey had been absent for the opening three games of pre-season, but now has a half under his belt ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Port Vale - which comes a week out of the start of the EFL season.

George Honeyman was also able to return to action against Rovers, having been forced off against AFC Fylde at the start of the month.

Fraser Horsfall, Michael Ihiekwe, Leighton Clarkson, Albie Morgan, Dion Charles and Tom Bloxham were all absent, with their statuses for this weekend currently unknown, while teenager Oluchi Nwankwo was forced off in the second half.

Following a pre-season where Blackpool have been defensively short, Casey’s return comes at a key time ahead of the Carabao Cup first round tie away to Grimsby Town on August 8.

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Reflecting on his first minutes of pre-season, the centre back told the Seasiders in-house media: “It was a good, competitive game of football. It was a different test to what the rest of the lads had faced in the last few games.

“Tonight’s game was a lot more technical than the other pre-season matches we have played. I enjoyed being back out there and getting minutes in the legs. I will keep in contact with the gaffer and the staff and see what the plan is for me going into our last pre-season game so that I’m in the best condition for the start of the season.

“Picking up the injury when I did was really frustrating, but my recovery has gone really well. Touch wood I would rather it happen when it did than when the season starts, and the matches mean something.

“It’s looking good as we have bodies coming back. The new additions mean the squad is looking strong and we are all ready to get going now. I can’t wait for the real stuff to start now.

“Port Vale will be another good one for me personally. I’ve had a technical game tonight and then a more physical game on Saturday, which for me coming back from injury is ideal. It will set us up nicely for the Grimsby match as well, as we expect that to be quite a physical match as well.”