AFC Blackpool secured a narrow win over Maine Road.
AFC Blackpool 1-0 Maine Road
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David Cram’s dramatic late winner sent AFC Blackpool into the Second Round Qualifying of The FA Vase after a keenly-fought encounter against Maine Road at the Mechanics Ground.
The striker rose highest at the back post to head Keiron Rinnington’s cross into the back of the net with just four minutes left to play.
It looked as though neither of the evenly matched sides would be able to break the deadlock before Cram’s last-gasp effort as there were few chances in a scrappy first period and things barely improved after the break.
Maine Road defender Josh Sittings was correctly shown a red card midway through the second-half for a second-bookable offence, but still the home side were unable to breach the North West Counties Premier Division club’s stout defence.
But spurred on by an inspirational midfield performance from captain Mark Ashall, the Mechanics finally found a way through to book their place in the next round.
Prior to today’s victory, Blackpool had lost their first five league fixtures of the season and Club Secretary William Singleton hopes that their dramatic victory will herald a turnaround in fortunes for the club.
He said: “We haven’t been playing badly but luck hasn’t gone our way so far with odd-goal defeats. Hopefully we can now turn that around.”
“Today’s game really could have gone either way but we’re delighted to have made it through and look forward to the next round.”
AFC Blackpool will now face Oldham Town in Qualifying Round Two on Saturday 19 September at the Mechanics Ground.