Southport v Blackpool: Live updates from the Seasiders' first friendly of the summer
and live on Freeview channel 276
Fifty-seven days on from the final day of last season, the Seasiders return to action – albeit with a new man in charge following Neil Critchley’s surprise departure and Michael Appleton’s return.
Follow our blog for build-up, team news, match updates and post-match reaction...
Southport v Blackpool - live updates
Key Events
- FT: Southport 0-2 Blackpool
- Seasiders travel to Haig Avenue for first pre-season friendly of the summer
- Michael Appleton’s takes charge of first game since returning to Bloomfield Road
Half time
Well, that was eventful. Most of the action came off the pitch, rather than on it.
Who said pre-season was boring?
38 - Saved
Beryly Lubala goes close again, only to be denied by the feet of keeper Cam Mason.
The winger could have had his hat-trick already.
36 - Play resumes
After a short delay, the game is now back underway.
Hopefully that’s the end of that.
Game halted
Play has been stopped for 10 minutes. Referee has warned the game will be abandoned if it happens again. The fences, which were being thrown, are now being taken back to the halfway line.
34 - Bizarre
A handful of more ‘experienced’ Blackpool fans, shall we say, have breached the fence and they’ve now scarpered. Fences are being thrown.
Play has now been stopped and the players are being taken off the pitch. How bizarre. Chief executive Ben Mansford is heading over.
30 - Close
Almost a second for Beryly Lubala as he curls just wide after taking the ball down with a glorious first touch.
28 - Ultras
With their side trailing 2-0, Southport's ultras (all aged 14 or below) have decided enough is enough - walking around the ground to confront the Blackpool fans in the away end.
I love pre-season.