IT wasn't only the weather which was looking brighter at Bloomfield Road on Saturday (July 31) as Blackpool notched up the only win of their pre-season friendlies against a decidedly lacklustre Crewe Alexandra, with a 2-1 scoreline.

Despite another rather uninspiring performance by the Seasiders, they managed to score twice, adding to their previous strike total of one goal in five games and giving some hope for the season.

Throughout the friendlies, the defence has looked strong, letting in only five goals, two of which were conceded when main keepers Tony Caig and Phil Barnes weren't on the pitch.

On Saturday the strikeforce too showed signs of improvement early on as Ian Hughes' header from the edge of the 18-yard-box was met by Adam Nowland on the left of the goal after just six minutes.

Nowland slotted the ball across the goal, comfortably beating Crewe goalkeeper Jason Kearton, and watched the ball nestle in the opposite corner of the net.

There was danger at the other end of the pitch for the Seasiders only one minute later when the ball was crossed into the area by Rodney Jack and was nearly knocked into his own goal by Pool defender Clarke Carlisle.

Carlisle was involved again in the second goal which came after 42 minutes as Andy Couzens' cross from the left wing was deflected in off the defender as he stood in the centre of the penalty area amidst a crowd of players.

The second half brought no less than nine substitutions but little more excitement.

A Crewe chance after four minutes had home fans worried as Kenny Lunt's pass found Colin Little whose shot was stopped by Phil Barnes but bobbled out of his hands.

Fortunately the goalkeeper, who had replaced Tony Caig at half-time, managed to pounce on the ball as John Grant bore down on him from the right.

Blackpool's best chance of making it three came through Nowland, but his attempted chip from the right flew narrowly over the bar.

Blackpool kick off the new season at 3pm on Saturday (Aug 7) against Wrexham at Bloomfield Road.

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