Blackpool Mechanics Vs Castleton Gabriel’s

Gale force winds, tormented Seagulls and a fine cup of Bovril laid the foundations for an afternoon of coastal football fun.

Blackpool being quite breezy at the best of times, turned into a mini storm as the brave supporters sacrificed hats and umbrellas to the swirling northern wind.

Two new signing’s were thrust into the gabs starting eleven. Despite top scorer Pheby available after returning from suspension, he was surprisingly left on the bench.

Blackpool began the game well, controlling much of the earlier play between the two sides. But several tame early efforts resulted to nothing.

Mid way through the first half Blackpool pressed down the left wing. A cross was swung in, despite no one being able to connect to the ball, Gabs keeper Canning presumed the ball was going out, but instead it hit the post and fortunately landed in the hands of the Castleton stopper.

Castleton seemed unable to get a grip of the game, and struggled to make it out of their own half. Clearly the game had to be played on the ground due to the intense winds, but in their wisdom Castleton continued to play the long ball presenting the wind with an opportunity to show us its football skills.

Half time approached and with the conditions dictating much of the platy the first half ended goalless.

The wind regrouped and intensified for the start of the second half. Castleton hoping to prove a point started the second half brightly and pressed forward. Michael Ward doing all he could to let loose wingers Entwistle and Eastmond. Eastmond’s best attempt came from 25 yards, but the keeper was on hand to collect.

Dean Watkinson’s bullet header also went close but the score remained 0-0.

On 75 minutes the first goal of the game arrived. Blackpool moved the ball down the right wing and swung a low ball into the area, it looked like Alan “Titus” Brannick had it covered, but as he went to clear, he slipped, and ball flew past him and landed comfortably at the feet of striker Cairns who was gifted a very easy goal.

5 minutes later disaster struck again. Whether the wind or rain played any part in what happened, only Castleton’s keeper Canning will know. A ball was played in, and Canning seemed to gather the ball easy enough. But somehow the ball re-appeared from under his legs and rolled free. Blackpool striker Cowell was on hand to grab Blackpool a second of the game. Mark ‘Taibi-Carson’ Canning was left to curse the conditions.

Blackpool could have added a third in injury time but fortunately the woodwork stood firm and denied Blackpool a 3-0 win.

An unfortunate loss for Castleton, who will rue two silly mistakes that led to both goals. They will need to think more creatively this Saturday against Local rivals Ashton, but at least they will have the buoyant home support to cheer them on.

Some transfer news. Goal Machine Andrew Pheby who was disappointed at being left on the bench against Blackpool, refused to sit amongst the substitutes during the game in protest to his elimination. During the week the Castleton management made the shock decision to release their top scorer from the club for this breach of discipline.

In response Pheby “questioned the clubs man management”, but also “wished the club the best of luck in the future”.