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
19 - Close
Sonny Carey waltzes into the box with a delightful run, throwing in a couple of dummies for good measures. But he ends up side-footing just wide.
15 - Goal Blackpool (0-1)
CJ Hamilton atones for his previous miss by slamming home the opening goal after Sonny Carey had been crowded out in the box.
14 - Oh dear
A dangerous Sonny Carey corner is partially cleared to CJ Hamilton, who volleys about 10 yards wide.
It’s been that sort of game so far. Plenty of misplaced passes.
8 - Noise
Fair play to them, a group of about 30 kids in the Southport end are attempting to get some atmosphere going.
Not a great deal is happening on the pitch, meanwhile.
4 - Stoppage
Play is temporarily halted to allow Chris Maxwell to get some treatment. Looks like he took an elbow to the face during an aerial collision, but he looks to be okay.
1 - Odd
Rob Apter, the diminutive attacking-midfielder, is playing at right-back.
Callum Connolly is playing in midfield alongside Sonny Carey and Keshi Anderson.
Kick-off
Southport get the action underway.
For those wondering about Kevin Stewart, he is here sat in the dugout.
The players are out
The first-half XI get a healthy reception from the Blackpool fans as they head out for kick-off.
Most of the Seasiders are stood on the open terrace behind the goal, so let’s hope it doesn’t rain like it did last year! There’s also a healthy contingent sat in the main stand.