Scorers: Gnanduillet (28) Spearing (90)
H.T: 0-0
K.O: 7.45 Tuesday 25/09/18
Attendance: 1,910 (496)
QPR manager: Steve McLaren
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Form: WWD - WWL
Line-Ups:
Blackpool XI: Howard, Nottingham, Heneghan, Tilt, Bola, Spearing, Guy (Turton), Thompson, McLaughlin (O'Sullivan), Dodoo, Gnanduillet (Delfouneso)
Subs not used: Mafoumbi, O'Connor, Feeney, Cullen
Queens Park Rangers XI: Ingram, Hall, Cousins, Scowen (Goss), Baptiste, Smith, Chair (Smyth), Osayi-Samuel (Oteh), Wszolek, Kakay, Hamalainen
Subs not used: Brzozowski, Owens, Dalling, Omar
There was a quiet start to the game as the match was being played in the midfield, with QPR being very physical and putting in some late tackles which resulted in a couple of yellow cards. Despite there being limited chances, QPR could have taken the lead early on, but Chair’s shot straight at Howard was well dealt with.
Blackpool were the better side with possession and threat both being present in their impressive play. In the 7th and 13th minute Thompson delivered fizzing pacy crosses but both times, despite the quality, they eluded everyone in the area.
Blackpool were enjoying the possession of the game, but could not calve out a chance of note as this frustration began to show with Spearing firing a shot directly at Ingram from distance. Another cross in the 23rd minute, however, would find its target as Heneghan rose the highest, but the imposing Ingram was behind it once again.
But Ingram was far from unbeatable, and so this would be proven in the 28th minute when Blackpool got off the mark. Heneghan’s flick found Gnanduillet at the back post following a corner and the big Frenchman was able to redirect the ball into the roof of the net. A goal against Championship opposition and one that was a fair reflection on the game up until this point.
Blackpool would continue to assert their first half dominance as Spearing would fire over in the 38th minute after some positive interplay. However, the game would continue to be broke up as QPR would proceed to pick up a further 2 yellow cards as they, totting up to a total of 4 yellow cards by half time.
QPR came out in the second half stronger, but it began to get away from them again as McLaughlin fired over in the 49th minute. But QPR were improving by the minute as Osayi-Samuel gained further involvement and Goss fired in a dangerous cross in the 59th minute.
Blackpool however did pose a threat on the counter, especially with the lightning pace of Dodoo, as with 65 minutes gone the loan Rangers man had a shot, but Ingram simply saved low down.
Just as QPR appeared to be working their way back into the match, tempers would finally fray. A coming together would see Jordan Cousins gain a second yellow, and as it had appeared for the whole game, QPR would get that red card that honestly they had coming.
Blackpool simply now had to keep a firm hold on the game and keep possession, tiring out the 10 men of QPR. They did this very well, limiting QPR to few chances. In the 79th minute Hamalainen had a half chance, but it would only be deflected over as time ticked on.
Not only this, but Blackpool would confirm their place in the 4th Round late on through Jay Spearing, his third goal of the season. Prior to the goal Delfouneso would go close, only to see his effort deflect wide for a corner in the 88th minute. But that corner would find its way to Dodoo, then Spearing, who, with his left foot, would slot home his 3rd goal of the campaign.
Blackpool reach the 4th round of the League Cup for the first time since 2007 and they deserved it, the red card may have hindered a QPR response but it didn’t change the game. Blackpool were the better side throughout and will take confidence from this into their league meeting with Peterborough this weekend.
UTP
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