It was a physical start by all accounts, with both sides scrapping for the ball, but it was Charlton who would be the first to threaten. Taylor concocted a fantastic effort that stung the hands of Howard and bounced away for a corner.
Blackpool grew into the match rapidly though and seemed to be triggered by Charlton’s first chance of the match. Feeney, especially, was really tricky down the right hand side for Blackpool, causing real problems when he drilled a low cross towards Bola and Gnanduillet, who both couldn’t convert 7 minutes in.
Blackpool were really sustaining some pressure, with Heneghan wasting a free header from a corner and Dodoo firing over after sharply turning. Charlton were doing their best at trying to mimic a Manchester City style of football, but were getting caught in possession too easily. Blackpool’s pestering nature would eventually lead to the opener. Feeney would be the man to deliver the dangerous cross which would only be half cleared into the path of Gnanduillet, who fired home from close range.
Blackpool were clearly better accustomed to the match in the first half with Dodoo charging forward 32 minutes in, only for his shot to be pushed wide by the keeper.
Nevertheless, Charlton were still fighting and couldn’t have been more close to an equaliser after 37 minutes as Daniels made a goal saving block as the ball hung in the area. But Blackpool should have also scored just before half time as Tilt would remain high up the pitch following a set piece and head towards goal from close range, only for Steer to make an exceptional save, beating the ball away.
The Seasiders deservedly had the advantage at half time, but the second half would be a much different story.
Initially it seemed that Blackpool would continue on their way without to much contention, especially when Taylor fired goal bound, but it was blocked by one of the many Charlton players.
But soon Charlton would change the whole complexion of the match as Aribo finished off a swift Charlton move. Charlton were suddenly a different side to the one that they were in the first and the goal had given them the added confidence they needed.
Blackpool were struggling to string passes together and Charlton were really impressive in how they frustrated the Seasiders. Guy would however send Dodoo on his way 65 minutes in and he would bear down on goal, only to be caught in two minds and have his shot blocked.
Charlton were clearly the better side though, cutting open the Blackpool defence, particularly when Tilt had to leave the action, with The Addicks beyond the backlines on numerous occasions. They were not clinical enough though and never really tested Howard after the goal. Grant went close, curling narrowly wide in the 78th minute, but this was really it. Blackpool were second best and Charlton, for all their pressure, should have got the winner, but instead it was Blackpool who would rediscover their first half selves, putting in big final push.
In the 81st minute Gnanduillet could not connect with an ever efficient Feeney cross and the Daniels would fire just over moments later. Against all odds, Blackpool would then score, having been adrift for the entirety of the second half.
Delfouneso, slipped through, made no mistake sticking the ball under the keeper and into the net with just minutes left. Blackpool, as they have done so many times this season, would wind the clock down and keep their slender one goal advantage.
So Blackpool claim an invaluable win and one that proves the commanding position that the Seasiders are currently in. Blackpool’s first half performance was exceptional and, despite giving Charlton a way back into the game, their last few minutes of domination showed just how much belief there is amongst the squad. Let’s not forget either that all of this was done without the ever reliable Jay Spearing and Blackpool held out without Curtis Tilt.
Blackpool have depth and are now scoring goals and those playoffs seem closer than ever.
UTP
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