Report

Blackpool were eager to get back to footballing ways not having played since November. The game started off at a fast even pace with both teams eager to get off the mark. Natasha Fenton was first to try her luck with a shot going wide. Manchester City made some good play which culminated in a corner,but the Blackpool defence of Amy Sudworth, Eleanor Bannister and Hannah Wright held firm. Blackpool were unlucky minutes later when excellent play from Natasha Marshall and Fenton resulted in a goal mouth melee with City covering well in defence to deny Blackpool the opener. During this half there was plenty of good passing on display from the midfield of Chyna Appleton, Karis Harrison and Marshall with Fenton again trying her luck only to hit the side netting. Eventually though persistence from Fenton paid off and a cracking shot from 20 yds out resulted in a goal to get Blackpool off the mark. Man City though keen to get back in the game had a shot over the bar and regrouped to have another go forcing Jordyn Ellison to make a save. Blackpool were forced to make changes when Bannister went off injured and and Stephanie Haigh reverted to midfield, with Evren Verdu at right back. Going into the break it was one nil to Blackpool after a close first half.

The second half Blackpool were keen to consolidate a slim lead and there was good play between Hannah Wright and Stephanie Haigh. Appleton had a great shot which hit the bar. Then Blackpool had a flukey moment with Harrison scoring from the halfway line and completely taking the city keeper by surprise. Blackpool made changes again when Haigh went off injured and Ellie Fisher stepped in. Blackpool at times played some fabulous football with brilliant passing. Training is paying off. Marshall went wide again with a cross from Fenton which led to an own goal from city to take the score to three nil. City though regrouped and played some good attacking football with Ellison again making a good save to keep a clean sheet. Ellie Fisher got the fourth goal for Pool after some great play. Harrison rounded off the game with the fifth and her brace. Well done to the girls who now meet Fillies in the next round.