BLACKPOOL MECHANICS began their defence of their North West Counties U18s Floodlit League title with a 6-4 victory over a Bamber Bridge side containing several Blackpool-based players.

Mechs went behind after five minutes to an own goal when midfielder Danny Cooke headed in a low cross from the right.

The combative Cooke soon made amends though when he drilled in a slow shot from 12 yards following good work by new boy and man of the match Mike McLeod.

Mechs then took the lead when Matthew Dwire outpaced the visitors' defence and squared the ball for Danny Price to slot it home.

The home side increased their lead when Price made no mistake from 12 yards.

Mechs goalkeeper Andrew Speight was then carried off following a collision with the Bridge striker and sub Rick Roberts who had not played in goal for three years took over.

Bridge pulled one back when the Mechs defence failed to clear a high ball and Blackpool born Paul Ryan slotted in the ball from a blind side run.

Mechs then restored their two-goal advantage when Howard Heap volleyed the ball in from 25 yards.

In the second half Bridge pulled a goal back when Rick Roberts punch clearance was volleyed in from the edge of the box.

Dwire restored the margin again for Mechs when he converted Price's pass despite a fine parry from the Bridge keeper.

A dubious penalty reduced the arrears once more before the cool head of Chris Hankinson sent a 25-yard free kick curling into the visitors net over the defensive wall, for the goal of the game.

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