By Blackpool FC

Blackpool suffered their first defeat of the season in a 2-0 loss at Stoke City.

Goals from Harry Clarke and Jacob Brown either side of half-time were the difference, as the Seasiders struggled to break down a strong and stubborn Potters' defence on a warm Saturday afternoon, despite creating a number of half-chances throughout.

It was a lively atmosphere at the bet365 Stadium, as both sets of supporters were backing their sides from all four corners.

There was an early stoppage in play as Callum Connolly clashed with a Stoke player's high foot. After what looked like a serious collision, Connolly was thankfully back up on his feet and was able to play on.

Dwight Gayle tested the gloves of Daniel Grimshaw early on with a powerful volley from the edge of the area, but Blackpool's goalkeeper was there to block the shot and gather the rebound.

Michael Appleton was forced into an early change on 20 minutes, as Gary Madine pulled up with an injury. He was replaced by Theo Corbeanu.

Stoke came closest to the opening goal on 25 minutes as a goal mouth scramble ensued from a corner. Will Smallbone hit a strike from distance which rattled the bar, and with the ball bobbling around the penalty area, the Seasiders were able to make the clearance.

Blackpool came close moments later in what looked like a certain goal. Some clever play between Sonny Carey and Josh Bowler allowed the winger to cut inside and shoot. His effort was blocked but fell to Carey on the byline, who made the cross to Jerry Yates in the middle, and with the goal gaping, Yates went for the header but just missed making a connection.

Despite Blackpool growing into the game, the hosts took the lead on 35 minutes. A cross from the left was met by Harry Clarke at the back post, who was left unmarked to sweep the ball in past Grimshaw, and give Stoke the lead at half-time.

Half-time: Stoke City 1 Blackpool 0

Blackpool made a second change at half-time, as Kenny Dougall came on in-place of Matty Virtue. The Seasiders were looking to make an immediate response, and thought they had it five minutes into the second half, as Josh Bowler weaved his way into the penalty area over challenges and curled one to the far post, only it for to go just wide.

As the half wore on, Blackpool were working hard to break down a Stoke defence that was looking resiliant, with Michael Appleton introducing Charlie Patino for his debut with 20 minutes to go to force a breakthrough.

Daniel Grimshaw was forced into a superb save minutes later, as Dwight Gayle was played in on goal. The experienced frontman hit it first time, only for Grimshaw to stick out a left leg and block the ball away.

It was the hosts who doubled their lead though on 75 minutes, as Jacob Brown swept home a cross from the left after making a run in-between the Pool defence.

Half-chances for either side followed, but it was Stoke who took all three points in a frustrating afternoon.

Full-time: Stoke City 2 Blackpool 0

Starting XI: Grimshaw, Connolly, Ekpiteta, Williams, Thompson, Fiorini (70' Patino), Carey, Virtue (56' Dougall), Bowler, Madine (21' Corbeanu), Yates (84' Lavery).
Subs Not Used: Maxwell, Thorniley, Hamilton.