Blake came through the Mansfield Town Academy to sign professional forms with the "Stags" in May 2018, having helped the youth-team to win the EFL Youth Alliance North East title.[1] He scored upon making his first-team debut on 13 November, helping Mansfield to record a 3–2 victory over Scunthorpe United in an EFL Trophy group stage game at Field Mill.[2] Blake commented that "any young person’s dream is to score on their debut so I was over the moon to get it".[3]
Following a brief spell at Alfreton Town, Blake joined Northern Premier League side Frickley Athletic on loan until the end of the 2019/20 season.[4] After being used in a number of positions, including right back, right wing and midfield, Blake signed a contract with the club in Summer 2020 to remain in West Yorkshire for the 2020/21 season.[5]
Speaking in May 2018, Mansfield Town Academy manager John Dempster stated that "[Blake has] great potential. His ability to score and set up goals is one thing, but his raw attributes and fitness levels have really impressed. He can play at centre-forward but also anywhere on the right, including right wing-back – he has the attributes to do so."[1] The club website stated that he "likes to play 'off the shoulder' of the defence and enjoys making runs in behind the back line" and "has electric pace and a real eye for goal, meaning he has all the attributes to enable him to play the lone striker role".[11]
