Football friendlies: Lytham Town 1 AFC Blackpool 7, Squires Gate 1 Garstang 1

James Boyd equalised for Squires Gate against Garstang Picture: ALBERT COOPER

Blackpool continued their winning start with a 7-1 victory at Lytham Town as Joe Robinson scored a first-half hat-trick ,writes MARK ASHMORE.

The midfielder opened the scoring after just two minutes after Billy McKenna was released through the middle.

Dan Hall had to make an alert save to protect a lead which Robinson doubled after Ben Roberts' chip rebounded off the bar.

New signing Adam Sumner found the side-netting with a free-kick before Robinson completed his treble from Ben Roberts' cross on 32 minutes.

Robinson was denied a fourth before the break when his chip was saved, while a one-on-one save by Hall ensured a 3-0 half-time scoreline.

A much-changed Blackpool side opened their account for the second half when Fran Donaghy volleyed home from a corner.

The West Lancashire League hosts pulled one back on 75 minutes but Blackpool made it five when a triallist headed home a corner after the keeper had saved Roberts' shot well.

Under-18s play Kyle Higham set up the sixth for Ben Duffield, who later rounded the keeper for his second to complete the scoring.

Fellow NWCL club Garstang visited Squires Gate for Saturday's friendly, which ended 1-1, writes JAMES ASHTON.

Garstang, who play a level below Gate in the First Division, were well-drilled but Gate created plenty of chances, midfielder Josh Pollard firing over early.

Garstang grew into the game, though Gate went close when Ryan Riley's free-kick almost ricocheted in off Dean Ing.

They fell behind to a fine finish on the half-hour and it could have been worse as the visitors fired over from close range just before the interval.

Gate were fired up after the restart but nobody could get on the end of new signing Elliot Pond's ball from the left, then last season's top scorer James Boyd shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box.

The pressure paid off on 58 minutes, when Riley whipped in a free-kick which Boyd fired powerfully home for the equaliser.

Another Riley free-kick crashed against the post and the Garstang keeper denied Boyd a second after the scorer linked up well with Pollard.

Again the hosts went close from a free-kick as left-back Jake Higham's curled effort was tipped against the bar.

Ing headed narrowly wide as Gate settled for the draw and remain unbeaten in pre-season.

The NWCFL is working towards a provisional start date of October 3.