Despite fielding a number of players with first team experience, the Seasiders reserve team went down 4-3 to a youthful Oldham Athletic side on Wednesday night.

Despite the various deluges that have swept the North West over the last few days, the pitch at Hyde United was in fantastic condition, something that impressed Ian Holloway and Steve Thompson who joined their counterparts in the stand to watch the game.

Danny Mitchley had the first effort of the night when he unleashed a rasping drive that dipped just over from 30 yards, whilst former Pool loanee Nick Blackman saw a long range strike fumbled by Mark Halstead, but fortunately for Pool Halstead recovered well to save at the second attempt

The deadlock was broken on 38 minutes and it came the way of the hosts when an unmarkedLaquan Esdaile Biney headed home.

Pool's response was immediate, Daniel Naridello broke into the area only to be fouled by Biney the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Nardiello dusted himself down to fire home from the spot.

The second half was less than a minute old when Oldham keeper Ollernshaw denied Louis Almond, the young stopper raced off his line to block at the feet of the second year scholar.

Oldham restored their lead on 57 minutes, Oldham skipper Paul Black exchanged a great one two with Steer, before slotting home.

Oldham threw everything forward and giant substitute Tom Eaves was unlucky to see his sweet strike rebound off the bar with Halstead beaten, but to their credit Pool stuck to the task and pulled themselves back on level terms thanks to Gary Taylor-Fletcher who headed home Nardiello's cross.

Seven minutes later Pool took the lead for the first time in the game, thanks again to Gary Taylor-Fletcher, despite appearing to offside, when Danny Mitchley scuffed a shot, Taylor-Fletcher reacted quickest to stab home

With The Seasiders looking to sit back on their slender advantage, Oldham snatched an equaliser and again Esdaile Biney made the most of some poor defending to meet a good ball at the near front post to head home.

With a draw looking like a fair result Nick Blackman snatched a winner for the hosts, the former Macclesfield man raced on to a fantastic through ball to smash a fantastic finish past Halstead.

Full Time Oldham 4 Blackpool 3
Pool: Halstead, Rooney, Edwards, Eastham, Martin, Bangura, Taylor-Fletcher, Foster, Nardiello, Almond, Mitchley Subs Not Used: Potts, Breakell, Bradley, Forshaw, Barkhuizen