Scott Banks shines in the FA Cup: Blackpool wins 4-1 against Carlisle!

Scott Banks shines in the FA Cup: Blackpool wins 4-1 against Carlisle!

Sometimes things just don't go according to plan. That's what Scott Banks thought when he completed the first few months of his time at Blackpool FC. But in the FA Cup game against Carlisle United, a fifth division team, the St. Pauli loan player really blossomed and showed what he was made of.

On December 8, 2025, Blackpool celebrated a clear 4-1 win and Banks was the shining hero. Not only did he set up the first goal, he also scored the third himself, in golden times for the club struggling to turn things around in EFL League One. They have only collected 16 points in the first 18 games of the season and are in one of the relegation places when this cup magic unfolds.

The game

The game took place almost two years after the two teams last met in League One. Blackpool, supported by around 3,000 fans traveling from Carlisle, got off to a brilliant start. Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell had to show his skills a few times right from the start, but in the 14th minute it was Fletcher's moment, who made it 1-0 after a rebound from Banks. The spell was broken and the home team could no longer be stopped.

After just a few minutes, Banks became the decisive man: in the 38th minute he sank the ball from eight meters into the top right corner - a goal worth seeing that raised spirits and cheered the team on. Before half-time, two goals were scored in three minutes, which shows the dynamism that Blackpool showed that day.

Scott Banks: A climb?

Although he has barely featured in the league so far and has only made one starting appearance in League One, Banks is thriving in the cup. His debut years with the third division club were rather poor, but as he was on loan from St. Pauli, the hope for positive changes is ever-present. The club's previous problems don't seem to be bothering him, rather he helps his teammates with a strong understanding of the game and goal threat.

Where the others stumbled at the back, Banks led Blackpool forward offensively. Even when Carlisle scored shortly after half-time, Blackpool remained undeterred and quickly restored the old gap with Fletcher's tenth goal of the season. A dream start that could give Banks and the team new hope in the league.

The challenge for Blackpool FC

Blackpool FC, founded in 1887 and better known by nicknames such as “The Seasiders” or “The Tangerines”, has struggled with relegation concerns and sporting challenges in the recent past. After relegation from the EFL Championship in the 2022/23 season, the club slipped into EFL League One and is fighting again this year to stay in a league that is anything but easy. After this cup encounter, self-confidence could grow and offer new perspectives for the next league games.

In any case, the cup game shows that sparks of hope can always shine in difficult times. The coming weeks will show whether Scott Banks and his teammates can use the momentum to re-establish themselves in the league. What's the beautiful saying? Giving up is not an option!

For more information about Blackpool, those interested can visit the official website blackpoolfc.co.uk look around. Both sides report on the latest football news St. Pauli 24 as well as BBC Sport.