Report
It was a game in which either side could have won it but in the end a 1-1 draw was probably just about fair, even though it meant heartbreak for the jubilant Fylde fans. Blackpool continued their unbeaten run in pre-season and impressed with a last minute winner showing resilience and belief throughout the entirety of the squad. I would be lying if I were to say that the Blackpool squad is complete, far from it, but at least it is starting to take shape and at least the results are coming.
In the first half Blackpool started in unconvincing fashion immediately being on the back foot as Rowe flicked a Byrne effort narrowly wide and this would prove to simply be a warning sign. The first goal of the game would be an early one and who else but Danny Rowe was it to be who would break the deadlock. It was a goal that would also leave a bitter taste in Blackpool's metaphorical mouth as it was Philliskirk who would provide the assist. He found Rowe who was able to charge forward and drill the ball home into the bottom left hand corner in the 4th minute. This sustained pressure would continue as the ball went back into the Blackpool box and both Rowe and Cardle squandered golden opportunities to send Fylde further in front. Fylde were doubtlessly the better side early on and continued this assertion of dominance in the 21st minute when a Cardle delivered cross was headed wide once more by that man Danny Rowe. But it would be a corner that would help Blackpool grow back into the match despite that corner in the 26th minute leading to nothing. It would fall to Tilt who saw his header fall safely into the arms of Griffiths but it gave Pool momentum nevertheless. This was displayed in Blackpool's next chance which really should have resulted in a goal. Dodoo's powerful effort was well save whereas Gnanduillet on the follow-up could not manage to get his foot on the end of the ball as Angol managed to get the ball clear. Pool were building their confidence now as Delfouneso bounded forward on the counter winning a free-kick. Once more this fell to Tilt but this time his shot was promptly charged down and the chance deserted him. But it was Blackpool who ended the first half with their hearts in their mouths as James Hardy causes confusion heading towards the bottom right of Howard's goal where the Blackpool keeper got there at the last second. Despite all their late pressure Blackpool had put in a below par effort in the first half with Fylde dominating proceedings. Improvements were a must in the second half.
Bowyer tried to mix things up moving into the second half with O'Connor and Taylor replacing Gnanduillet and Thompson. Spearing got things back underway but almost instantly it was Fylde who reclaimed their grip upon the game winning a free-kick in a crossing position. Danny Rowe, having failed to clear the wall with the cross, opted to drill a shot in with the follow up just wide. Blackpool however had managed to survive another hefty onslaught by Fylde and began once more to build something of their own. First a Taylor and O'Sullivan counter attack looked promising but was quickly faltered by astute defending from Fylde. This would be followed up in the 50th minute by Dodoo also finding himself in a threatening position but he would also be put to a stop; this time by the offside flag. But this pressure would indeed eventually end up with a shot on goal as Heneghan leapt highest from a Bunney corner but he could only direct his header over the bar.
Fylde were not done yet though as they continued to show real threat. After 60 minutes Philliskirk surprised many with a powerful shot but the former Blackpool man couldn't find the target despite looking to be on the top of his game. Angol also got on the end of a fluid Fylde move and despite finding an opening he also flashed his effort wide of the target.
Enough was enough for Bowyer at this point as he brought on Bola and Pritchard for Dodoo and Bunney in the 72nd minute to try and make an impact in the game and heck did it work! Blackpool Sprung into action to provide a grandstand finish for those at Mill Farm.
In the 77th minute Tilt was brought down in the box but the appeals for a penalty were waved away and play continued; seemingly dampening any hopes of a Blackpool comeback but Pool were far from done yet. 10 minutes later Pritchard was set to score after a Bola pull back but The Coasters would once again survive thanks to a heroic last minute slide tackle. The goal would eventually come courtesy of Nathan Delfouneso after a searching Bola cross in the 90th minute from six yards.
The result was probably more of a relief than anything and Blackpool need to improve on that if they are to challenge next year. But, one can not complain with the continuation of a unbeaten pre-season and there is not long to go now. Maybe even by the start of the season we might see an Oyston free Blackpool... but at the same time somehow I doubt that.
UTP
Comments