Esh Winning 1 AFC Blackpool 2: Duffield double ensures FA Vase victory

AFC Blackpool were victorious on Saturday Picture: Adam Gee

The hosts opened the scoring after just nine minutes, Gareth McMahon catching Alex Cameron off his line and firing the ball over him from outside the box.

AFC looked to reply with Jamie Thomas firing over and Conah Bishop sending another effort across goal.

They did equalise after 26 minutes when Duffield brought the ball down before turning his marker and firing home.

AFC did lose Adam Sumner and Ben Roberts to injury as the first half ended 1-1, after which the home side could have gone down to 10 men when the last man brought down Duffield.

Billy McKenna poked wide from close range and Duffield had a shot blocked before AFC went down to 10 men.

McKenna was dismissed after being deemed to have used an elbow when beating his man, a decision which saw manager Martin Baird sent off for his protests.

However, AFC went in front when Duffield latched onto a long ball before slotting home.

Esh fired a good chance over before they had Matty Allison sent off for kicking out at Corey Harrison on the floor.

Kyle Higham was inches away from scoring another goal but the win puts AFC in the hat for Monday’s draw.

AFC Blackpool: Cameron, Bishop, Higham, Ikin, Sumner, Pickering, Thomas, Robinson, Roberts, Duffield, Morris. Subs: Aspinall, Whitehead, Dawson, Harrison, McKenna.