As Blackpool now prosper under new ownership, Bolton live to fight another day and the Portsmouth situation is all but forgotten, the EFL is left with a sour taste lingering. Bury were expelled from the Football League this week tearing apart a community and crushing 125 years of history. It is a mess of mass proportion and the problem seemingly stems back to the EFL itself, with Bury just the latest victim in an endless list.
Portsmouth visited Bloomfield Road this weekend, a team that have had their own issues, at the start of a busy week for Blackpool. Blackpool have made two promising signings in the last week too, with Scannell and MacDonald adding depth to an already exciting squad. Whether Blackpool could continue their unbeaten start to League One though, seemed almost insignificant compared to the death of a club that helped found the Football League.
It was a positive start from Blackpool, with the Seasiders pumping multiple early balls into the area and putting Pompey under severe pressure. Both sets of fans had not stopped singing though which was energised more by the fast-paced start. For all both sides’ toiling though, neither created any clear openings in the early exchanges.
Pompey did break through on 15 minutes though, with the ball forced to the edge of the area by Cannon. His shot was drilled narrowly wide though.
Portsmouth would once again capitalise on defensive frailties. When Tilt stumbled on the ball on 17 minutes Marquis pounced and found Harness who wheeled away in celebration when his deflected effort deceived Alnwick. Pool were one down out of nowhere.
In the 20th minute it was Portsmouth who were agonisingly close to doubling their advantage. It was Marquis again who caused problems and was only foiled by the fingertips of Alnwick after a driving run through the heart of the Blackpool defence.
Blackpool were really struggling to get going. It was Portsmouth that continued to break up play and look the more threatening team. In stoppage time Pompey were presented with another chance when Haunstrup fired over a freekick.
Blackpool, although poor in the first half, always looked capable of fighting their way back into the match. They came out rejuvenated at the start of the second half.
On 54 minutes, following a scrappy start, Turton managed to push the ball towards Gnanduillet who was provided with his first sight of goal. His shot was well blocked and smothered. Blackpool had another chance seconds later, but Kaikai only curled over from distance.
Blackpool managed to find yet another gear and this time they would create a golden chance. Gnanduillet, who is in a rich vein of form, made no mistake, heading past a helpless MacGillivray. It was a Feeney cross that created it and Blackpool were right back in the match.
The match was almost completely turned on its head when a Husband cross found Gnanduillet again, but this time the ball went away for a corner.
On the 68th minute they really should have had their second. Gnanduillet, who was causing endless problems, found it difficult to understand how his glancing header didn’t find the corner, but so it would be.
The game had truly been sparked into life when Portsmouth almost found their own way to take the lead. A shot inadvertently found Marquis who saw a shot from close ranged matched by a reaction save from Alnwick. It was a save of mass proportion in the match.
Despite Blackpool largely threatening, Portsmouth were realistically creating the best chances. In the 83rd minute Curtis drilled wide from a tight angle as both sides continued to search for the winner.
Despite a couple of late free kicks from either side, it was a winner that would never come.
Blackpool may now slip to third in League One and pick up their third draw in a row, but it was another positive performance. Blackpool did not dominate, but were extremely competitive against a strong Portsmouth side. Blackpool are still unbeaten and really, can only improve.
Nuttall started his first game today and although he was committed and kept possession well it was difficult to judge whether he had that clinical edge. Gnanduillet however was immense, particularly in the second half, and has been a revelation this season after the increase in competition.
The midfield may have looked a little weak at times, but worked well overall. I think there and the full back positions are places that may need a bit of tweaking, but nothing too substantial. Alnwick was also immense making a number of saves that won Blackpool the point on the day.
Blackpool may have only got a point today, but there are so many positives to take away from another encouraging performance.