By Blackpool FC

Blackpool beat Crewe Alexandra at the Mornflake Stadium to end their pre-season on a positive note.

A goal from Kyle Joseph in the first minute and a calm finish by Jordan Rhodes put Pool two up at the break.

Crewe tried to get back into the game in the second-half but Pool were resolute at the back and threatened to extend their lead on a number of occasions. 

Pool made the perfect start to proceedings with Joseph curling a brilliant effort into the far corner after being set free in behind by James Husband in the first minute of the match. 

The Seasiders nearly doubled their lead in the 10th minute when Olly Casey got on the end of a Lee Evans’ free-kick at the back post, but the centre-half volleyed his effort over the bar.

Pool continued to dominate the game in the first-half, with Sonny Carey playing a lovely floated ball over the top to CJ Hamilton midway through the second period.  Hamilton got to the ball before Filip Marschall in the Crewe goal, but the keeper done well to block the ball and stop the potential goal-scoring opportunity. 

The Seasiders finally found their second in the 38th minute when Rhodes beat the Crewe defender to the ball before coolly slotting the ball past Marschall from the angle. 

HT: Crewe Alexandra 0-2 Blackpool

The hosts nearly got a goal back ten minutes into the second period when a poor touch from Olly Casey was pounced upon by Jack Lankester, but Daniel Grimshaw got back well on his line to gather the effort.

Pool settled back into the second period around the hour mark with a series of passes leading to Carey having an effort of goal from outside the box, but the midfielder’s curling attempt went just wide of the far post

Rhodes was on the lookout for his second of the afternoon minutes later when he rose high at the back post to meet a Husband delivery, but his header lacked the sufficient power to trouble Marschall in the Crewe net. 

FT: Crewe Alexandra 0-2 Blackpool

Starting XI: Grimshaw, Pennington (Sassi 69), Casey, Husband, Hamilton (Apter 69), Coulson (Ashworth 69), Evans, Norburn (Finnigan 77), Carey, Joseph (Fletcher 45), Rhodes (Beesley 69)

Subs: O’Donnell, Chapman, Sassi, Ashworth, Moore, Finnigan, Apter, Fletcher, Beesley