Scorers: Tilt 7', Bola 84'
H.T: 1-0
K.O: 3.00 Saturday 20th October 2018
Attendance: 3,246
Referee: Anthony Backhouse
Wimbledon manager: Neal Ardley
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Changes in the table: Wimbledon drop into the relegation zone and Blackpool climb up to 13th.
Form: DDL-LLL
Line-Ups:
Blackpool XI: Howard, Turton, Daniels, Tilt, Bola, Spearing, Guy, Thompson (Nottingham), Pritchard (Feeney), Delfouneso (Heneghan), Gnanduillet
Subs not used: Boney, McLaughlin, O'Sullivan, Cullen
AFC Wimbledon XI: McDonnell, Purrington (Pinnock), Oshilaja (Trotter), Nightingale, Wagstaff, Hartigan, Appiah (Pigott), Jervis, Soares, McDonald, Hanson
Subs not used: King, Watson, Thomas, Egan
Read our Match Preview: https://theblackpoolblog.wixsite.com/theblackpoolblog/home/wimbledon-h-preview
The immediate start to the game displayed Wimbledon in a good light, as Blackpool were only able to half clear from a freekick and then a corner, but their pressure and spell of good, aesthetically pleasing football failed to present any chances of note. It would instead be the Seasiders who would metaphorically flip the magnet, as they began to push Wimbledon to the brink. They got as close as hitting the bar in the 7th minute. A pacy, tricky run from Delfouneso led to a quality cross, but Pritchard could only direct onto the bar with his head.
But just as this was being digested, Blackpool had that opener. A corner by Spearing, towards the back post, was seemingly on its way in without the aid of Curtis Tilt. But the centre back, who has suddenly become a prolific goal scorer, was on hand to make sure. Blackpool had the lead, but would they take heed of the results from previous matches?
As it would seem, no. Blackpool were having the majority of the possession but could not find a way through a resolute Wimbledon defence. The game was scrappy and this, seemingly, was beginning to benefit Wimbledon to a greater extent.
Blackpool had another good chance on 27 minutes, as Blackpool broke down the left again with Bola, but Pritchard, despite some crisp juggling of the ball, could only fire over the crossbar.
Wimbledon conversely would come much closer. A rasping drive from Jervis would zoom past the left post, with Howard at full stretch in the 32nd minute. A proliferation of half chances would follow, peaking in the 40th minute as Appiah, with much dynastism, would hit a dipping half volley that Howard could only tip over. Blackpool would survive the onslaught however, as Howard would be happy to see a Jervis freekick into his arms in extra time.
It would take a matter of seconds for Wimbledon to show their will power in the second half as Jervis headed, with great pace, into the stand. Just minutes later Wimbledon would be at it again, but this time Appiah had the accuracy, but lacked the pace, as Howard could get down low.
Blackpool did begin to awaken though, as they, similarly to the first half, would get a good grip on the match as they would have a few chances. In the 54th minute as driven cross by Bola could only be turned behind by the keeper, as Wimbledon began to scramble.
But just a Blackpool looked confident, the Wombles broke forward and even looked through on goal, only for Bola to make a potential goal saving tackle. Again, on 63 minutes, Wimbledon would threaten again, as Wagstaff would have time and space in the area, but instead of hitting the target he would lash wide. On 77 minutes they would come again, they were coming in waves now, but once more Howard was equal to a Hansen header.
Blackpool however would, uncharacteristically, finish off the game and provide the final blow. Bola, bursting forward, had time and space a plenty on the edge of the area, and would crash home into the bottom corner, out of the reach of McDonnell.
Although Gnanduillet couldn’t make it three, taking too long to get his shot away, Blackpool would hold out for the points that they richly deserved. A real confidence booster for the Seasiders who have a hectic schedule in the next few weeks, but hopefully this can kick start a good run of wins.
Wins; they will be so important if Blackpool are to climb up the table and make the most of those games in hand and avoid being lambasted in the papers once more. The resilience that Blackpool fans have shown in the majority choosing to boycott the Arsenal game is admirable, but first we concentrate on Scunthorpe and Fleetwood and see where we are in a week’s time.
UTP