Southport v Blackpool RECAP: Updates from the Seasiders' first pre-season friendly

Oliver Sarkic, a man who struggled for game time in his debut season with the Seasiders, is looking bright off the bench, often dropping deep from attack to link up attacks.

Josh Bowler, meanwhile, has just cut in from the right before blazing over.

Today’s attendance has just been announced as 1,049. No exact figure on Pool’s away following, but I think it’s fair to say they make up the chunk of today’s crowd.

Either way, it’s just great to see fans back in attendance again.

Pool are opened up too easily at the far post, where one of Southport’s triallists off the bench is allowed the time and space to bring down the ball before seeing his close-range effort well blocked by debutant Daniel Grimshaw.

Keshi Anderson has looked lively since coming on and the midfielder, playing out on the left flank, has whistled a dipping effort narrowly wide of the Southport upright. Good effort.

Southport get the second-half underway.

Pool make the 11 changes we were expecting, while Southport make five alteration themselves, including new signing Josh Hmami who was unveiled prior to kick-off.

Thankfully they’ve only got two trialists on the bench - which makes life a bit more easy for myself!

We’re awaiting final confirmation, but this is the side we’re expecting to see in the second period.

Grimshaw, Connolly, Casey, Husband, Garbutt, Stewart, Carey, Anderson, Bowler, Sarkic, Lavery

The Seasiders hold a 1-0 lead at the break thanks to Demetri Mitchell’s emphatic early strike after just five minutes.

Pool have had three or four good opportunities to extend their lead, but Southport have also had their moments - especially from set-pieces.

A completely different XI will now take to the pitch for the second-half.

Colin Doyle heads over unmarked from a Southport corner. Another big chance for the hosts from a set-piece.

Almost a second for Pool on the stroke of half-time but Jerry Yates is denied by the feet of Cameron Mason after racing onto Brad Holmes’ smart flick-on.