Scorers: Donny(May 23') - Pool (Nottingham 38', Pritchard 60') H.T: 1-1 K.O: 7.45 Tuesday 28th August 2018 Attendance: 3,188 (192) Referee: Anthony Backhouse Doncaster Manager: Grant McCann Stadium: Keepmoat Form: LDD - DWD Line-Ups: Doncaster XI: Lawlor, Mason, Wright, Anderson, Andrew, Whiteman, Rowe, Blair, Taylor, Anderson, May
Subs: Ogley, Beestin, Ben Khemis, Kiwomya, Lund, Horton, Gibbons
Blackpool XI: Howard, Nottingham, Heneghan, O'Connor, Bola, Taylor, Spearing, O'Sullivan, Pritchard, Feeney, Gnanduillet
Subs: Mafoumbi, Turton, Thompson, Sinclair-Smith, Dodoo, Delfouneso, Cullen
The first half started off in a somewhat precarious manner for the Seasiders as Howard was called into action early on to head away from outside his area, dealing with a dangerous through ball. But it was Blackpool, instead, who would be presented with the first chances of the match. First, a smart cutback from Nottingham found O'Sullivan, but for all his good intentions he could only fire over the crossbar from 10 yards. On 9 minutes an even better chance presented itself, and this time from a corner as Nottingham headed narrowly wide of the goal with a free header. But Doncaster would soon assert their dominance and Blackpool's defensive frailties would come to light. After 12 minutes Andrew delivered a brilliant cross which evaded everyone and then Chris Taylor would be forced into a dangerous, last-ditch tackle, that could have resulted in a penalty.
The best chance would fall to Doncaster's Paul Taylor who, if you were to give him the chance 100 times, he might only miss it 5 times. Howard did outstandingly well to prevent the forward from breaking the deadlock, but this was not to matter for Doncaster who would soon score. On the 23 minute mark, out of nothing, Alfie May would score a brilliant goal as he left Heneghan in his wake. This seemingly sparked Blackpool back into life as they began their rejuvenation process. A resounding pressure and a number of corners had apparently yielded nothing, especially when Chris Taylor was wasteful, firing high and wide after one of these corners.
But, surprisingly (and it was a surprise) Blackpool would find a way back into this one, as Heneghan, who honestly had played badly up until this point, headed the ball into the danger area for Nottingham to lash it home. An undeserved goal, but they all count for one.
There was a spell of calm leading up to halftime, with Paul Taylor's shot straight at Howard being the most noteworthy chance. Blackpool would be satisfied with the scoreline but absolutely livid with their performance and defensive frailties.
The second half started well for the Seasiders as they initiated some pressure. In the 48th minute, John O'Sullivan found himself in a great position as Gnanduillet made space, but this time he could only curl around the post. It was a refereeing mistake that would almost be Blackpool's undoing as despite a Doncaster touch Jay Spearing was penalized. Luckily the strike was blocked and the chance came to nothing.
However unfortunate that may have seemed, Blackpool would adversely take the lead after a quiet spell that would follow that Doncaster chance. It was Heneghan again who would win the initial header and redirect it into the path of his fellow teammate. Pritchard then had the simple task of poking home which he duly delivered. Blackpool would sustain their pressure after taking the lead which showed when O'Sullivan spun his man well but could only hit his shot straight at the keeper. The Doncaster frustration was exemplified by Whiteman who tried his luck, only to strike it straight down the throat of Howard. Rovers were still in this one though, but time was running out. In the 77th minute with Blackpool threatening as Gnanduillet was put through by Thompson and testing Lawlor, the momentum was with the Seasiders aswell.
Blackpool were doing very well to nullify any Doncaster attacks and in fact were continuing to have the best of the play. Thompson would see a sweetly stuck drive in the 87th minute deflected over as Blackpool tried to kill the game off. But that was to be it and Blackpool were to progress onwards to the third round in this competition for the first time since the 2009/10 season. That, in itself, is enough to display how so very well Terry McPhillips is doing at this football club and shows his effectiveness and collective respect in the dressing room. McPhillips is really putting forward a good case to become next Blackpool manager and the team are starting to show the resilience of an actual normal football team. Blackpool remains far from normal, however, and I am sure the next round and indeed the rest of this season will provide plenty more twists and turns.
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