Bolton Wanderers lost out to Blackpool in Central League action but Josh Sheehan and Lloyd Isgrove impressed.
Both respective first team managers Michael Appleton and Ian Evatt were in attendance whilst former Seasider Matt Gilks is part of the Wanderers youth setup - ex-Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott was also in attendance to watch on as his son, Donovan, appeared in the second half for the men in Tangerine.
The Seasiders faced an early setback in the fourth minute as a lofted, direct ball in behind from Josh Sheehan found Conor Carty who touched down well and slotted home to open the scoring. A minute later and CJ Hamilton's pace caused problems for the Bolton backline, feeding Rob Apter whose shot was well closed down by the Wanderers keeper.
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Ewan Bange showed his physical promise as he opened up space in the box and an audacious overhead kick was well saved, the resulting corner saw Bange rise highest once more, this time denied after a smart header. Bolton evidently wanted an audacious effort of their own as Lloyd Isgrove volleyed at goal from wide on the right wing off the crossbar.
After a relatively passive period within the game, Blackpool started to open Bolton up. A ball in behind found CJ Hamilton who hit the upright with his effort, the ball falling to Beryly Lubala who was taken down before he could get an effort at goal. The resulting penalty was tucked home comfortably by Lubala to level the scoring.
Matty Virtue was the next to stride forward and his curling effort towards the left hand top corner was not far away. Plenty of chances for the Seasiders but limited clinical edge to take advantage in the first half. Into the second half and Stuart Moore was forced into early action to deny a Bolton free kick from the edge of the area with a smart save down past his left post.
That effort was closely followed up by a driving run from Lynford Sackey on the left wing who cut the ball across to Lloyd Isgrove but his driven effort was straight into the hands of Moore. Ewan Bange was replaced on the hour mark with a knock, replaced by Donovan Lescott.
Blackpool upped the tempo later into the second half and CJ Hamilton lost his marker in behind and lofted the ball over the keeper to complete the turnaround and put the Seasiders 2-1 ahead in the 66th minute. The Seasiders continued to up the tempo but a couple of slack touches from Jordan Thorniley almost allowed the visitors back into it.
Bolton put the pressure on as Andrew Tutte crashed the upright from range. James Husband departed after a positive shift, replaced by Alex Lankshear who is a recent recruit for the development side. The lively Kwaku Donkor who impressed at right back was replaced late on by Luke Mariette, Grant Ward shifting out to right back in the process.
But the Seasiders were able to hold out for an opening victory in the Central League. Signing from Ireland, Eoin Toal, was substituted at half time for Wanderers but Josh Sheehan and Lloyd Isgrove impressed in a hard fought encounter.
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