Football friendlies: First game for Squires Gate and AFC Blackpool

AFC Blackpool’s first game in four months brought a 5-0 win over Galgate, writes MARK ASHMORE.

Alex Cameron was called upton to make an early save for Martin Baird’s side, who took control and the lead when Billy McKenna finished after dummy by Ben Duffield.

Connor Harrison had several chances and hit a post before doubling the lead, heading home a Carnan Dawson cross after 39 minutes.

After half-time, Blackpool made it three as nippy winger Ben Roberts finished a quick counter-attack, then substitute Mark Buchan converted a penalty for handball two minutes later.

Squires Gate’s first pre-season game was a local encounter against Poulton FC, enabling both clubs to get minutes under their players’ belts, writes JAMES ASHTON.

Visitors Poulton started strongly, forcing a first-minute corner from which a goal was disallowed for a foul. Poulton took the lead after 14 minutes and were denied a second from a free-kick when Jordan Gidley made a fine save.

Gate responded and Jamie Ramwell was denied an equaliser by a goal-line clearance, though the influential Josh Pollard did make it 1-1 on 40 minutes with a low shot into the corner.

Cameron Gourley’s acrobatic effort struck a post and both sides had chances before Dean Ing headed Gate into the lead at the back post on 64 minutes.

And Gate rued missed chances as Poulton equalised on 78 minutes, then protected their draw with a late save to deny Jack Iley.