Scorers: Blackpool: Gnanduillet (10’), Dodoo (19'), Spearing (105' pen) Solihull: Yussuf (33',51' pen)
H.T: 2-1
K.O: 7.45 Tuesday 18/12/2018
Attendance: 1,441(402)
Solihull manager: Tim Flowers
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Form: DWL – WDW
Preview: https://theblackpoolblog.wixsite.com/theblackpoolblog/home/solihull-h-fa-cup-round-2-replay
Match Events:
Solihull started well, winning a freekick and then a corner, but both to no avail as they tried to play direct and, as in the reverse fixture, were causing problems. But Blackpool would build and quickly leave an initial stamp on the match.
Armand Gnanduillet would perfectly time a volley after being left free from a corner, an unquestionable mistake when discussing a man with his prowess. The forward would thump the ball low and hard past the keeper ten minutes in.
Blackpool were playing well, but were almost pegged back relatively soon after the opener. Yussuf found himself in the six yard box sixteen minutes in and pivoted well, only to see an onrushing Howard spread himself well and beat away the shot.
Just when Solihull could sniff a way back into the game though, Blackpool broke and suddenly made it two. Bola would cross for Dodoo who slotted under the helpless Boot and into the net.
Solihull are far from slouches themselves and they still knew that they were in this game, especially when they halved the deficit. A long throw in caused all kinds of problems and it appeared that Daniels got the final touch.
Blackpool would go into the break ahead, but only by the slightest of margins. That would tell in the second half as Solihull emerged full of belief and all they needed was a bit of luck. If it was a refereeing decision that cost them in the reverse fixture, then it would be fitting to be another one, this time an arguably incorrect one, that aided them this time. A Spearing challenge, one in which he won the ball, gave Solihull an unexpected penalty. The man to take it, Yussuf, would send Howard the wrong way and draw the Moors level. A quite unbelievable turn of events.
Blackpool were of course shocked and Solihull were building despite Thompson having a long range shot on fifty-four minutes that was straight at the keeper. Blackpool would continue to scare Solihull, with Spearing bursting forward on 66 minutes and finding Thompson who this time would fire just wide. Blackpool were second best though and heroic blocks and tackles would keep them in it.
Despite Blackpool giving a late push the game would be forced into extra time.
Early on in that extra time period Blackpool looked more sharp, with Gnanduillet and Pritchard both squandering half openings. They continued to press throughout the half and finally it would pay off. Gnanduillet stuck his head where it hurts and, with a high boot, Blackpool suddenly had a penalty. The man to take it… Jay Spearing.
Spearing had composure and smashed into the bottom corner, but it was far from over yet. In the final fifteen minutes Solihull came in waves, never giving up. The Blackpool penalty area became a battle ground in which bodies were flying everywhere and in the 109th minute Tilt headed off the line. It would seemingly never stop.
In the end however it would be Blackpool who looked closer to extending their lead when Gnanduillet raced clear, but was unable to apply the finish required.
When it did stop though a real relief came over Bloomfield Road, or at least for the small percentage of it that was inhabited by Blackpool fans. There is talk of a big boycott that is set to take place now, but there is one thing for sure, Arsenal will be coming to Bloomfield Road in the FA Cup.
UTP
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