Blackpool hold on to first-half advantage to progress in FA Cup

Posted Sunday, November 11, 2018 by PA

A ruthless first-half performance helped Blackpool to a 3-2 FA Cup first round win at Exeter.

The Seasiders scored three times in the opening 24 minutes, but League Two Exeter made a game of it after the break.

Blackpool came flying out of the traps and took the lead inside the first two minutes. Harry Pritchard’s deep cross was headed back by John O’Sullivan and Joe Dodoo rose highest to plant a header past goalkeeper James Hamon.

Blackpool continued to attack at will and from one of many corners, Mark Cullen got to the ball ahead of Hamon to bundle the ball in and double the Tangerines’ lead.

Jonathan Forte missed a great chance to pull a goal back for Exeter, who then found themselves 3-0 down when they lost possession cheaply, Blackpool broke at pace and the ball was crossed to Pritchard to convert at the back post from close range.

Exeter gave it a go after half-time and pulled one back when Archie Collins was tripped by Ryan McLaughlin. The referee gave the penalty, which was missed by Pierce Sweeney, but Jordan Tillson reacted quickest to convert the loose ball.

Tristan Abrahams then curled in a beauty from 25 yards in the last minute to make it 3-2, but despite pressure in stoppage time, Exeter could not find an equaliser.