Blackpool Gazette

Blackpool were defeated by Accrington Stanley in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Bloomfield Road.

A first half goal from Kelsey Mooney and a Josh Woods brace helped The 'Owd Reds to a 3-1 victory, with Ashley Fletcher claiming a consolation for Neil Critchley’s side.

The Seasiders starting XI featured multiple first-team regulars, while trialist Josh Onomah was used from the bench in the second half.

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A powerful run forward from Hayden Coulson created Blackpool’s first opening of the game, with the move ending with a shot over the bar from Sonny Carey.

Another opportunity landed the way of the midfielder soon after, as the Seasiders continued to find space. This time the 23-year-old was able to test Michael Kelly, who was able to push the shot away.

Carey was in the mix once again ahead of the half hour mark. After a great run down the right-wing, CJ Hamilton found his teammate in the box, but the Accrington keeper was equal to the attempt.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 32nd minute, but it was in the favour of the visitors, as a curling shot from Mooney found its way past an unmoved Dan Grimshaw.

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Stanley doubled their lead ahead of the break, with the Blackpool keeper well beaten again, as Woods fired a powerful shot from distance into the top right corner.

Onomah was introduced into the action at the break, and had the first opportunity of the second half, placing a shot just past the post.

Down the other end, substitute Shaun Whalley came close to extending Accrington’s lead, with his free kick hitting the frame of the goal.

The Seasiders pulled a goal back in the 74th minute, as Fletcher tapped in a ball from Jack Moore.

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Accrington immediately responded, with Woods adding his second of the afternoon to re-extend their lead and confirm the pre-season win.

Blackpool FC: Dan Grimshaw (71’), Jack Moore, Dan Sassi, Alex Lankshear, CJ Hamilton, Lee Evans (71’), Jaden Jones (45’), Hayden Coulson, Sonny Carey, Ashley Fletcher, Jake Beesley (80’).

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Blackpool head coach Neil Critchley states he will give midfielder Josh Onomah time to prove himself during his trial period at Bloomfield Road.

The 27-year-old has been without a club since leaving Preston North End last summer, but the Seasiders could potentially be his next club after he started training at Squires Gate last week.

Onomah, who has also played for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, has previously had a trial with Stoke City and was linked with Bolton Wanderers in January, but a move failed to materialise on both occasions.

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Reflecting on the midfielder’s first few days training with Blackpool, Critchley said: “He joined us at the back end of the week. He’s not played football for a year, so we’re taking a look at him and he’s taking a look at us.

“He’ll have to do a period of catching up in terms of fitness and conditioning after missing out for 12 months.

“Let’s see where he gets to. Let’s give him some time and patience, and hopefully we’ll enjoy seeing the talent and the ability he’s got - that’s not in question, look at the clubs he’s played for, he’s played in the Premier League.

“He’s been a very good player, and I’m sure he wants to get back to that level.

“There’s no timeframe for the trial.”

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Former Preston North End midfielder Josh Onomah has spent time with Blackpool this week.

The 27-year-old has been on trial with the Seasiders at Squires Gate, after spending the last 12 months without a club since leaving Deepdale last summer.

Onomah came through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur, and made 32 senior appearances for the North London club before making the move to Fulham in 2019.

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With game time eventually becoming limited at Craven Cottage, his contract was mutually terminated last January, which allowed him to link up with Ryan Lowe’s side, but an extension couldn’t be finalised between the two parties following the conclusion of his short-term deal.

In the last 12 months he’s spent time on trial with Stoke City, while Bolton Wanderers have been linked with a move for him.

It’s early days of Onomah’s trial with Blackpool, and the Gazette understands both parties are currently just having a look at each other, with no more to the initial reports of him training with the club at the moment.

The Seasiders are in pre-season action against Sunderland at Bloomfield Road on Saturday afternoon, but no trialists are expected to be involved in the fixture for the home side.