It was a cagey start, as a long ball was largely adopted by both teams. Blackpool were however the side most likely to try to move the ball around more productively and this play would almost result in the opener. In the 19th minute Guy latched on to a Gnanduillet flick and drilled a shot, which inadvertently found Feeney, who could only hit the woodwork from a tight angle. Blackpool could not have got any closer to taking the lead.
In the 22nd minute Blackpool would go close again, but Virtue’s shot was blocked when it fell kindly for him on the penalty spot. Bolton, despite looking frail at the back, were dangerous when going forward and repeatedly tried to catch Blackpool on the counter.
This was proved when Murphy was put through on 24 minutes, but his rasping drive was well blocked by Alnwick.
Both sides were lively and especially so was Virtue, who again would try to create space for a shot. When he ran onto Feeney’s cross he again could only see his shot to be blocked, even though he found plenty of space.
Bolton were heavily reliant on set pieces for their chances. In the 39th minute Crawford almost found the corner from a long range freekick, but Alnwick tipped wide. Murphy then failed to make the required contact when a corner found its way into the 6-yard box. Bolton were continuing to threaten.
The second half began similarly to the first, but Bolton were now much more confident. A couple of early corners caused problems, despite Blackpool breaking and almost grabbing a goal of their own through Husband. Both sides carved out very little, but Bolton were superior in a possessional sense.
Dodoo was clearly desperate to make an impact when he came on, but it was limited at best. He was shooting at every sight of goal he had having two opportunities in the 66th minute. His first effort was beaten away by Alnwick, and his second would flash wide as Bolton would look ever more likely to find the breakthrough.
Blackpool were forever toiling though and could have found the breakthrough when Gnanduillet was released in the 72nd minute. His left footed shot was wild however, proving no trouble to the Bolton goal.
However, there was little action at either end as both defences stood firm in a game that displayed defensive resilience as opposed to attacking flair. Blackpool were uninspiring and the system really needs a rethink with such an isolated Gnanduillet, but at least they were defensively sound to at least partially make up for their attacking shortcomings.
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