Accrington Stanley’s Youth side were knocked out of the Lancashire FA Youth Cup at the hands of Blackpool as they played their first game of 2014.

An early goal from Blackpool set the tone for the opening 20 minutes as the Tangerines put Stanley under pressure. A long cross from Blackpool’s left back Clayton evaded everyone bar Waddington who came racing in at the back post to tap the ball home from six yards out.

As the half wore on it was becoming apparent that Blackpool were struggling to contain Max Hazeldine who twisted and turned a couple of times and on both occasions was fouled as he advanced forward.

The second of the fouls on Hazeldine resulted in Stanley’s equaliser when Dieter Downey fired a terrific free kick across the keeper and into the bottom corner of the goal.

Blackpool weren’t going to go away easily though and after a couple of tame efforts into the arms of Wolland they re-took the lead soon after. Stanley skipper Liam Goulding was caught in possession close to the edge of his box and he was punished by Henry Cameron of Blackpool who ran into the area before slotting the ball under an advancing Wolland.

Just as Stanley thought they could get into the half time break and re-group the Tangerines struck again to make it 3-1. Cameron once again found a pocket of space in the box before hammering home a shot on the turn leaving Wolland helpless in the Stanley goal.

Early in the second half Blackpool continued to mount pressure on Stanley and following a well delivered corner, a volley from Harrison McGahey was saved well by the feet of Wolland.

Midway through the second half Stanley came close to shortening the deficit when Nathan Webb released James Jenkins down the left hand side of the pitch. Unfortunately for Stanley Jenkins’ cross was cut out by the Blackpool defence and cleared out of play.

With a quarter of an hour left, lady luck proved it wasn’t on Stanley’s side today as Keelan Steenson was forced off the pitch injured only a matter of minutes after the Reds had made their final change, meaning the youngsters had to face the remainder of the game with 10 men.

From the re-start of play Blackpool punished Stanley further, Dion Charles worked his way down the left before delivering a cross to Kieran Shaw who adjusted his body well to turn home the Tangerines fourth.

Even with 10 men Stanley continued to create chances and Hazeldine was denied superbly by Daniel Milton in Blackpool’s goal after the young striker had raced into the box and fired a left footed effort towards goal.

Unfortunately for Stanley it wasn’t their day and after a 4-1 defeat to the Seasiders a short lived run in the competition was over.

By Shane Hudson