^*^ Fighting fans mar Blackpool’s pre-season friendly win at Southport

• Visiting fans got past stewards to confront home supporters
• Blackpool won friendly 2-0 after temporary suspension of play

Fighting fans led to the temporary suspension of Saturday’s so-called friendly between Southport and Blackpool. Recently-appointed manager Michael Appleton kicked-off pre-season with a 2-0 win for the Championship side at their non-league neighbours.

CJ Hamilton and Beryly Lubala scored both goals against the National League North side during a bright start to a match that had to be halted around the half-hour mark as fans clashed at Haig Avenue. Some visiting supporters broke through steward barriers to confront the home fans that were goading them, leading referee Ben Speedie to call the players off the pitch.

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