Morecambe U18s set to host Blackpool U18s at home on Saturday 26 March in EFL Youth Alliance League.
The young Shrimps were without a league game last weekend but did manage a 3-0 win over a team of U18 trialists in a friendly, Callum Sandle netted a brace with Adam Mayor also finding the back of the net.
Their last league outing was against Salford, where the Shrimps walked away with all three points, goals from Connor Pye and Mayor handed them a 2-0 victory on home soil.
The Opposition
Blackpool FC U18s are currently sitting in third place in the league table, and are without a win in their last four games, which included an FA Youth Cup match against Chelsea U18s. Their last league clash was at home against Bolton Wanderers U18s, which ended in a defeat by four goals to two.
Head of Youth Coaching, Matthew Blinkhorn, began his youth career at home town club Blackpool, before signing a professional deal with the Seasiders. He spent time on loan at Luton Town, Bury and Morecambe, before signing a permanent deal with the latter.
The former striker has since played for Hyde United and AFC Flyde, the 37-year-old currently plays for non-league Lancaster City.
In 2015 whilst playing for AFC Flyde, Blinkhorn was appointed the Lead Foundation Coach at Blackpool FC’s Academy programme. A few years later, he became Youth Development Lead Coach at fellow seaside club Fleetwood Town, before returning to Blackpool alongside Academy Director Ciaran Donnelly. The former Shrimps man also had a brief stint as caretaker manager at Lancaster City, following the resignation of Manager Phil Brown, in 2018.
Pre-Match Thoughts
U18s Lead Coach Darren Finch, says after recent positive results, the side can beat anybody on their day.
“I was very pleased with their physicality on Saturday, the lads won the game 3-0, which in my opinion, will help them ahead of this game against Blackpool,” he said.
“Hopefully it will stand us in good stead, we can carry on from that good result, and the great performance we had against Salford the other week.
“Blackpool are a tough side. It will be a hard game, but if they show some self-belief and commitment, I think they’ve got a chance to beat anybody.
“It’s all about having that desire to go and do it.”