Blackpool 4-1 Carlisle United: Ashley Fletcher bags brace as Seasiders advance in the FA Cup

Striker Ashley Fletcher scored in each half as League One strugglers Blackpool overcame National League high-flyers Carlisle United 4-1 at Bloomfield Road to secure a place in Monday’s FA Cup third-round draw.

Afterwards, Seasiders boss Ian Evatt revealed “love” was the secret behind Fletcher’s recent goal-scoring exploits.

“He is a top player,” he said of the 30-year-old, whose brace – after 34 and 57 minutes – took his tally to eight goals in nine games and seven since Evatt replaced Steve Bruce as manager.

“All he needed was some clarity on what his role was and some love.

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Support

“They (players) respond to support and love more than critique and booing. So, all we have done is give him lots of love and lots of support.

“He is a good player and he has shown that since I came in.”

The former Bolton Wanderers boss added: “The TV cameras were here for a reason and when that happens, the likelihood is they are sniffing an upset.

“People will say we should win because they are two leagues below. But a lot of their players have played in the EFL and they are winning consistently every week.”

Match action

Fletcher, who netted the only goal in Pool’s first-round victory over Scunthorpe United, made it 2-0 for Evatt’s side after Tom Bloxham’s 14th-minute opener.

In between, only Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s stunning save from Chris Conn-Clarke prevented the Cumbrians from levelling.

But Blackpool – who currently sit 22nd in the table and were without a win in their last five games in all competitions before this – were largely in control, especially when Scott Banks made it 3-0 after 38 minutes with a stunning left-footed drive.

Carlisle, backed by 3,500 fans in a crowd of 5,958, recovered from 2-0 down to stun the Tangerines’ League One rivals, Reading, 3-2 in the first round.

But only briefly this time did the visitors threaten a great escape.

Luke Armstrong reduced the deficit after 51 minutes and Northern Ireland international Peacock-Farrell’s reflex save stopped David Ajiboye from making it 3-2.

Though before any comeback gained greater momentum, captain George Honeyman crossed for in-form Fletcher to slide in his 10th of the season and eighth in nine games after 57 minutes as Blackpool progressed.

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