Lancashire | Blackpool secure place in next stage of EFL Trophy
Blackpool 2 - 1 Nottingham Forest Under 21s
Blackpool secured their place in the knockout stages of the Vertu Trophy with a closely fought victory over Nottingham Forest Under 21s.
The Seasiders took an early lead through wide man Emil Hansson. Zac Ashworth came close to doubling their lead moments later when he met a Hansson corner from the left, but the Welshman’s downward header bounced just wide of the post.
Despite being dominant, they went into the break level due to a defensive mix-up, which allowed Kalum Thompson to fire home for Forest.
Josh Bowler restored the home side’s lead in the 75th minute with a superb solo effort, driving low into the bottom corner after weaving past three defenders. Substitute George Elder played a key role in the build-up, finding Ashley Fletcher with a precise pass, before Theo Upton teed up Bowler to finish the move in style.
The Premier League academy side came within inches of drawing level for a second time a minute later when Zyan Blake saw his shot strike the inside of the post after a corner fell to him.
For the remaining minutes, a young Seasiders eleven saw the game out to pick up their second victory in group B of the EFL Trophy.
Next up
It’s a return to league action for Blackpool as they face Wycombe Wanderers in League One. A win is important as they need to avoid being left adrift in the relegation zone.
The Forest perspective
Despite this defeat, these games are a useful exercise for the Premier League side. It gives their B Team/academy players an opportunity to play against professional opposition.
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