Blackpool 1-0 Reading highlights and Appleton reaction from Bloomfield Road
Blackpool started the game with the intensity Michael Appleton was wanting and got off to the perfect start as Josh Bowler's effort was well saved by Joe Lumley, but he could do nothing about the follow-up strike by Callum Connolly to give the Seasiders the lead.
The Seasiders always looked threatened by Reading when the Royals played balls in behind the backline but controlled proceedings generally well, shifting the ball about with purpose in the first half. Dominic Thompson looking assured and composed under pressure on his debut following his permanent arrival from Brentford.
Into the second half and the Seasiders started on the same footing with Josh Bowler driving into the area before his placed effort hit the upright, somehow the rebound falls into Joe Lumley's hands. Reading were much improved in the second half as Blackpool's tempo dropped and threatened in behind on a couple of occasions - lacking the quality to provide the finishing touch.
It was a nervy finish in the end but the Seasiders picked up a huge three points to kick-off their Championship campaign.
