It would almost be an understatement to say that Blackpool started well, because it really could not have gone much better. Just two minutes in Blackpool already had their noses in front as O’Sullivan headed a Pritchard cross into the path of Dodoo who made no mistake, heading into the back of the net.
But Exeter, despite an early setback, were quite impressive, stringing together a number of passes and maintaining possession, all the while not really creating enough in front of goal. Their best chance early on came 5 minutes in as Jordan Tilson drove an effort narrowly wide of the target.
Dodoo was a real handful for Exeter, as they struggled to deal with his pace as he would find himself in another pocket of space 13 minutes in, seeing his effort charged down instantly. Despite Forde making space for himself and getting a shot off 16 minutes in for Exeter, things would soon become much worse for the Grecians.
Mark Cullen came back to haunt the Exeter, bundling home after a goalmouth scramble, a goal that would put Blackpool one step closer to that second round. Exeter were falling apart defensively and didn’t seem to be showing any sign of stopping as Harry Pritchard would score a third for the Seasiders, a landslide threatened. Dodoo would smartly find Pritchard, who was just yards out and able to flick home Blackpool’s third of what had been an exhilarating first 24 minutes.
Just as it was seeming to be all heading on one direction, Blackpool seemed to quieten as, for all their early flair, they seemed to think that this scoreline was enough. They once again let Exeter play and allowed confidence to return to the Exeter team. They went in at half time three to the good though.
Blackpool started off well following the break and should have scored just 3 minutes in. Both Callum Guy and John O’Sullivan were denied as the pressure accumulated in the first few minutes. That pressure should have resulted in a goal definitively, as they had 5 corners, countless openings and were relentless.
But Exeter, all credit to them, weathered the early Blackpool storm and had the grit and squad belief to go on and cause the Seasiders problems. In the 61st minute a Nicky Law freekick was parried away by Mafoumbi and five minutes later Stockley would head over after a clever run.
Just as Exeter seemed to be out of luck, they got just the very break that they needed: a penalty. Sweeney would be the taker and his well hit penalty was pushed away by a strong Mafoumbi hand but, once more, they were beginning to see the luck swing in their favour, as Tilson was on had to give Exeter a lifeline.
Exeter would continue to press and Blackpool would once again hold firm. It would take something very special to get past them and Exeter seemed expended. Even when Stockley tried his luck, Mafoumbi would be able to get everything behind it.
As I say though, it would take something special, but instead it would take something out of the ordinary. A deflected shot by Tristan Abrhams looped over a helpless Mafoumbi to get Exeter within one in the 89th minute, setting up a classic FA Cup grandstand finish. Despite the ball persisting to stay in the Exeter half, Blackpool would come away with their names in the hat.
It was surprising today that Exeter managed to get two goals; they never really created much and both goals were really quite fortunate. Exeter can be pleased with how they played, but Blackpool just overpowered them today in all areas and deservedly progress. Just one more game now and we have the opportunity of getting one of the big boys again. Blackpool are finally getting back to their best, albeit against poor opposition, but this is a good place to start.
UTP
Other Results From the Round: http://www.thefa.com/competitions/thefacup/results
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