Lancashire | Blackpool lose on opening day

Blackpool 2 - 3 Stevenage 

Jamie Reid scored twice and last season's top scorer Dan Kemp also netted as Stevenage beat Blackpool to record a first-ever win at Bloomfield Road.

Author | Peter Jones

Stadium | Bloomfield Road

Both sides looked to make a sharp start to the new season, and it was Blackpool who struck first. New signing George Honeyman pounced on a mistake from Charlie Goode, took a touch, and rifled a close-range finish past Filip Marschall. The goal followed a well-constructed move, beginning with a diagonal pass from captain Lee Evans and a cushioned header by Hayden Coulson.

Stevenage hit back almost immediately. Fraser Horsfall’s back pass was underhit, allowing Jamie Reid to intercept, round Bailey Peacock-Farrell and slot the ball into the net. Reid then put the visitors in front deep into first-half stoppage time, converting from the penalty spot after Blackpool were penalised for handball at a set piece.

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Blackpool had earlier threatened inside the first minute when Harvey White tested debutant Peacock-Farrell with a powerful low strike, which was turned away smartly by the Birmingham City loanee. Minutes later, Jordan Brown went close after Andy Lyons picked him out with a precise through ball, but the shot flashed just wide.

Niall Ennis also came close for the hosts midway through the half, creating space inside the box but lifting his left-footed effort narrowly over.

At the other end, Stevenage nearly went ahead in the 36th minute when captain Carl Piergianni met a corner with a strong header, only to send the ball wide.

What happened in the 2nd half?

Things went from bad to worse for Steve Bruce’s side. Five minutes after the restart, Stevenage extended their lead. Jamie Reid pressed high, won possession and teed up former Blackpool man Dan Kemp, who fired in off the underside of the crossbar.

Emil Hansson came on at half-time for his debut and made an immediate impression. He linked up well with Ennis, who drove down the left and flashed a ball across the face of goal, but it was just beyond the reach of Coulson arriving at the far post.

Blackpool pulled one back in the 79th minute. Jordan Brown clipped a clever pass in behind the Stevenage back line and Ennis timed his run to perfection, finishing calmly past Marschall.

The home side pushed hard for an equaliser. Steven Fletcher came close minutes later, meeting a Hansson delivery with a firm header that went just wide. But Stevenage held on to claim all three points and hand Blackpool a frustrating start to the season.