Ayre United 0 Blackpool 2
23 July 2001
Blackpool's starting line-up saw the introduction of Steve McMahon's summer signings in the form of John O'Kane and the Kidderminster prospect Neil Mackenzie. Jamie Milligan was also in the starting eleven for Pool's first game in their short tour of Scotland at Somerset Park.
The defence looked shaky at first, but the midfield and forwards were linking well with nice passing football. John O'Kane looked strong, although he appeared to tire towards half time.
Neil MacKenzie looked lively, and won Pool a penalty halfway through the half which John Murphy put away. On half an hour, MacKenzie himself found the net. Pool grew in confidence from then on, and controlled most of the game, with Ayr's main line of attack being down the right wing.
As expected a raft of substitutions were amde in the second half which resulted in a scrappy game, and was also affected by heavy rain.
A good work-out - Pool never looked in any danger against an Ayr side who had already played two friendlies so far - for a first work-out, Pool looked good but never stretched, and looked like they could easily have stepped up a gear if required.
Blackpool are giving an extended trial to former Scotland goalkeeper Andy Goram. The veteran keeper spent the last three months of the 2000-01 season at Premiership champions Manchester United, and will play for Pool at Partick Thistle on the 25th July as Steve McMahon looks to bring in some competition for Phil Barnes.
The Partick game will also give an opportunity to see a highly rated 18 year old Australian striker, Mark Tsiorlas, who the Seasiders have obtained international clearance for in order that he can play.
Tsiorlas was recommended to McMahon by an unnamed source earlier in the week. Partick Thistle, who won the Scottish Second Division title last season, have just completed a two game tour of Northern Ireland where they had a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 win against weak opposition. They have been unconvincing so far, and are expecting a tougher match against Blackpool.
