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Blackpool Mechanics 3 Castleton Gabriels 0

8/12/2007

GALE force winds, seagulls and a fine cup of Bovril laid the foundations for an afternoon of coastal fun but Castleton Gabriels returned from Blackpool on the back of a 3-0 defeat.

Being quite breezy at the best of times, Blackpool’s skyline turned storm-like as the brave supporters sacrificed hats and umbrellas to the swirling northern wind.

Two new signings were thrust into the Gabs starting XI and despite top scorer Andrew Pheby  being available after his return from suspension, he was surprisingly left on the bench. More on him later.

Blackpool began the game well, controlling much of the earlier play between the two sides.

Midway through the first half the hosts provided a real scare. A left-wing cross was swung in and, despite no player being able to connect with the ball, Castleton keeper Canning presumed it was going out. Instead, it hit the post and fortunately bounced back into the hands of the relieved stopper.

Castleton seemed unable to get a grip on 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. 

With the conditions dictating much of the play, it was no surprise to see the first half end goalless.

The wind intensified for the start of the second half. Castleton started the second period 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 Brannick had it covered, but as he went to clear he slipped, and the ball flew past him and landed comfortably at the feet of striker Cairns who was gifted a very easy goal. 

Five minutes later disaster struck again. Whether the wind or rain played any part in what happened, only Castleton keeper Mark Canning (pictured) will know. A ball was played in, and he seemed to gather it easy enough. However, the ball re-appeared from under his legs and rolled free, allowing Blackpool striker Cowell to grab his side’s second of the game.

Blackpool could have added a third in injury time but fortunately the woodwork stood firm to deny them.

It was an unfortunate loss for Castleton, who were left to rue two silly mistakes that led to both goals. They will need to think more creatively today against local rivals Ashton, but at least they will have the buoyant home support to cheer them on.

Pheby, who was disappointed at being left on the bench against Blackpool, refused to sit among 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 club’s man management”, but also “wished the club the best of luck in the future.”