Nardiello Returns To Action In Reserves Defeat

An experienced reserves side lost 4-3 last night to a youthful Oldham reserves outfit as Daniel Nardiello stepped up his return from surgery.

Along with Nardiello, the Seasiders' second string fielded the likes of Rob Edwards, Joe Martin, Al Bangura and Gary Taylor-Fletcher.

The first chance of the game fell to Danny Mitchley who fired just over the top from 30 yards.

Former 'Pool loanee Nick Blackman was in the Oldham line-up and his shot gave Mark Halstead in the Seasiders goal a few problems early doors; the talented young stopper claimed the striker's shot at the second attempt after a fumble.

Oldham took the lead on 38 minutes, but before half time the 'Pool were level; Nardiello was fouled in the area and the striker picked himself up, dusted himself off and fired home the resulting penalty.

Lewis Almond nearly put the Seasiders ahead just after half time, but Oldham's keeper rushed out to save at the young striker's feet.

Oldham went ahead again just before the hour and then hit the bar before the Seasiders equalised for the second time; Gary Taylor-Fletcher heading home Nardiello's cross.

'Pool then took the lead with twenty minutes to go; Danny Mitchley scuffed a shot, but Taylor-Fletcher was on hand to guide the ball home.

The Seasiders looked to sit back and defend their lead, but were punished by sloppy defending and Oldham made it three all.

The Latics grabbed a winner late on when Nick Blackman raced onto a through ball to power a finish past Halstead.

Although the result was a bad one, Ian Holloway (who was in the stands) will have been pleased to see Nardiello come through 90 minutes unscathed and both him and Taylor-Fletcher put in good performances.

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