Blackpool 1 Port Vale 0

Last updated : 04 December 2004 By Footymad Previewer
A lucky deflection gave Blackpool the edge in a dyer FA Cup second round battle between two struggling League One sides.

The 1953 Cup Winners only sneaked through after George Pilkington diverted a Scott Taylor effort past his own keeper and the home side also had goalkeeper Lee Jones to thank for a first-half penalty save.

In a barely watchable first-half a hard working Vale side looked the more likely to make a breakthrough with Billy Paynter shooting wide on 12 minutes.

After 24 minutes Paynter wasted a gilt-edged opportunity to put his side ahead after referee Mr Miller gave a penalty for a foul by Peter Clarke on Nathan Lowndes.

Paynter's poorly hit effort was saved by Lee Jones diving away to his right and is the second time the young striker has missed from 12 yards this season.

Blackpool only really came into the game as an attacking force after pacy Scottish striker Keigan Parker replaced Matthew Blinkhorn, who suffered a serious shoulder injury, ten minutes before the break.

Vale keeper Jonathan Brain managed a couple of fine saves from Clarke and Taylor either side of half time and was finally beaten 15 minutes from time through an effort from Taylor which looked completely harmless until it struck George Pilkington and flew into the net.