Blackpool non-league friendlies: Squires Gate stun Curzon Ashton but AFC are blitzed by Bamber Bridge

Curzon Ashton, who play three levels above Gate in the non-league pyramid, started on the front foot at Brian Addison Stadium, writes JAMES ASHTON.

Gate began to get on top, pressing high and winning the ball back repeatedly. They were rewarded when Ryan Riley’s corner was headed powerfully home by centre-half Luke Holden on 21 minutes.

Gate doubled their lead on 26 minutes, when provider Riley turned goalscorer, firing a superb free-kick into the bottom corner.

Dean Ing almost made it three but was denied by the keeper. Gidley saved a header from a corner but Curzon did reduce the deficit on the stroke of half-time after a defensive mix-up.

The visitors appeared fired-up after the restart and their pressure paid off with an equaliser on 63 minutes, after Gate failed to clear their lines.

However, Gate hit back just four minutes later, when the ball fell to James Boyd 30 yards out and he unleashed brilliant strike into the bottom corner.

Curzon headed over from close range before a crucial tackle by left-back Luke Taylor saved a goal. Riley and Boyd both went close to a fourth for Gate as they closed out a superb victory.

AFC Blackpool suffered their first defeat of pre-season 5-1 against Bamber Bridge, writes MARK ASHMORE.

Martin Baird’s men applied themselves well but the quality of the Northern Premier League side was clear.

AFC had an early chance when new signing Corey Harrison was denied one-on-one by the keeper but Brig went in front on nine minutes. Winger Oscar Radcliffe looped a header over keeper Alex Cameron from Chris Marlow’s cross to the back post.

The match remained closely contested but Brig doubled their lead through former Blackpool FC forward Rowan Roache after he linked up well with Radcliffe.

AFC had a chance to pull one back with a break from a Brig corner. Jamie Thomas’ searching ball found Ben Roberts on the right but the winger shot over the top.

Brig were more ruthless on 33 minutes, adding their third when striker Matt Dudley collected Joe Booth’s pass and chipped Cameron.

Ben Duffield pinched the ball and shot over before Roberts fired wide. Blackpool looked determined after the break as Key Leyland threaded the ball through to Duffield but the striker’s low drive was well saved.

Brig made it four on 56 minutes, when Dudley punished them for failing to clear, and the experienced former Fleetwood and Fylde striker Richie Allen made it five.

AFC did manage a late consolation when Harrison picked out an overlapping run by full-back Connah Bishop, who slotted home.