Castleton Gabriel’s Vs Blackpool Mechanics

The penalty that never was, the free kick that should never have been and the fitness that was never there…all aspects to a season opening 4-1 defeat at the hands of Blackpool mechanics.

After a disappointing pre-season, Castleton needed a positive start to the season, but with injuries to key players Alan brannick and dean watkinson they were always going to be on the back foot. In an even first half, Castleton showed more desire than they had done pre-season, a solid defence limited Blackpool’s advances and with positive counter attacking and in particular the speed and skill of Nathan eastmond, Castleton showed a desire to win. Midway through the first half Castleton made the break through. Mathew Jackson played a ball through to left wing that was met by brad Barrington, he then produced a sublime chip into the top corner from an acute angle. The keeper was left for dead. Andrew pheby was as combative in midfield as ever, giving and receiving some hard tackles and on some occasions losing his temper and lashing out but luckily he survived the half without a warning. A few dubious offside decisions limited the chances for both sides and they would both need to up their game for the second half.

A combination of dubious referee decisions and fitness level would contribute to a Blackpool white wash in the second half. The rout began with a terrible refereeing decision that led to a penalty. Blackpool on the attack in Castleton’s box, the ball fell free to Andrew Pheby who cleared from his area, only for a Blackpool player to fly into Pheby with a late challenge…unbelievably the referee awarded Blackpool a penalty. Dumfounded by the decision the Castleton player’s and management could only watch as Blackpool converted the penalty with ease. The 2nd Blackpool goal didn’t take long to come, similar play to Castleton’s first goal, Blackpool pressed down the right wing and what was clearly a cross into the area, ended up flying over the head of Mark Canning and into the back of the net. The 3rd Blackpool goal came from yet another dubious refereeing decision. Nathan Eastmond was the victim of a late challenge yet the referee stayed quiet and the Blackpool players advanced down the right wing only to be awarded with a free kick themselves. From the resulting free kick Blackpool coolly headed the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-3. The referee waved away all Castleton’s protests and the game resumed. The forth and final goal came from an excellent individual effort. A Blackpool attacker ran the right wing, cut inside and coolly slotted the ball in back of the net.

Several attempted runs down the wing, and individual runs from Nathan Eastmond could not get Castleton back into the game and the final whistle was blown. A clear lack of match sharpness was missing upfront as all efforts were confined to the stands, and despite many headers being won, and a clear ability to pass and cross the ball Castleton Gabriel’s need to find some form for Mondays clash against fierce rivals Chadderton F.C.