Blackpool concluded their pre-season schedule with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Port Vale at Bloomfield Road on Saturday. Despite several promising openings, the Seasiders were unable to score and conceded a late header from Jasper Moon that settled the game.
Missed opportunities and a late decisive moment
The hosts fashioned the better chances across the 90 minutes but could not find the final touch. Dale Taylor was prominent, producing a number of efforts and creating openings for team-mates, yet he was denied by a combination of close defending and a couple of fine saves. The visitors remained fairly contained for long periods but struck when it mattered near the end.
Taylor’s inventive play in the opening half produced the clearest opportunities for Blackpool. On one occasion he was closed down by Cameron Humphreys after getting through, and other attempts were blocked or narrowly missed the target. The lively wing play of Josh Bowler also tested the opposition but failed to produce a breakthrough.
Defensive contributions and a late set-piece goal
Port Vale’s goal came from a decisive aerial finish, with Jasper Moon heading beyond keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell to secure a 1-0 victory for the visitors. Blackpool defended resolutely at times but could not prevent the late set-piece or counter the final decisive moment.
- Score: Blackpool 0-1 Port Vale
- Match-winner: Jasper Moon (header)
- Key performer (Blackpool): Dale Taylor (several chances)
Team news and what comes next
Ian Evatt’s side were still missing a number of players for the friendly, and the manager will be hoping to have more options available for competitive action. Blackpool head into their first cup match of the season with the EFL Cup first round tie away to Grimsby Town next Saturday, where more regular starters are likely to be involved.
Below is the beginning of the XI used during the match, showing the starting goalkeeper and the initial defensive selection before late substitutions:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Bailey Peacock-Farrell |
| Defence | Jordan Williams (72’), Olly Casey (66’), Zac Ashworth |
With the competitive season commencing, Blackpool will be hoping the finishing touch that eluded them in this friendly returns in time for the trip to Grimsby. Pre-season offered useful match minutes for fringe players and opportunities for combinations to be tested, but the lack of a goal will be the clearest takeaway for the coaching staff and supporters.
Supporters should expect squad changes and a stronger line-up for the EFL Cup fixture as fitness targets are met and players return to contention.
