Gillingham started the better side, pinging a couple of long balls forwards, but the linesman denied this tactic on a couple of occasions, claiming offside. But this would eventually resuscitate the game as Gillingham hit the bar. Blackpool struggled to clear, as the ball fell to Olisgrove on the edge of the area who, with a rising effort, hit the top of the crossbar and the ball would fly over.
This acted as an almost wake up call for the Seasiders who, despite struggling to pass it as usual, due to the blustery conditions, would begin a good spell of their own. Blackpool would win their first corner in the 21st minute which would be dangerously swung towards the back post where Heneghan met it. The best that the goalkeeper could do was punch away, but Blackpool would sustain this pressure. In the 27th minute things would open up once more as Guy drove through the heart of the defence, only for his pass to be deflected away for a corner. Blackpool were beginning to stamp their authority on what was becoming a slow paced football game. In the 32nd minute, again, Blackpool would gush forward once more as Nottingham drilled a dangerous ball into the box which would be turned away. Gillingham were apparently equal to all that the Seasiders could throw at them as a Cullen cross was then well dealt with as Delfouneso was ready to tap home beyond the goalkeeper.
Gillingham were keeping things under control however, and were unlucky not to take the lead in the 39th minute. A fantastic double save by Mafoumbi first denied Oldaker from a freekick and then Byrne on the follow up, keeping the scores level going into half time.
Blackpool started the second half brightly and almost instantly had the early advantage. Bola produced a low cross towards Cullen but, despite an outstretched leg, the Jordy couldn’t connect as the ball went behind.
But the goal would eventually come for the spirited Blackpool as Cullen won the ball in a classic hustle and bustle fashion. Taylor would then pick up the pieces and provide a cross that would put it on a plate for Delfouneso, who headed beyond the hopeless Holy. A richly deserved goal and something that the 100 or so Blackpool fans could finally shout about.
Blackpool seemed satisfied with this goal and allowed the game to become scrappy and limited Gillingham to hopeful punts into the area. But Mafoumbi was immense and claimed countless crosses as the minutes ticked away. Even when Byrne shot towards the near post in the 84th minute, he could get down and then keep hold of the ball.
Gillingham would continue to crank up the pressure on the Seasiders and eventually there would be a huge opening that they would work. Josh Parker was all of a sudden clean through in extra time and looked destined to equalise, only for the man of the moment, Mafoumbi, to make an immense save that would win Blackpool the match.
So, Blackpool finally win again after a week of firing blanks and who else do they look to other than Chris Mafoumbi. The goalkeeper, who has been pushed aside by Mark Howard, was criticised for his performance against Bristol Rovers, but tonight he has done the precise opposite. Zero to hero in a matter of days as he put in a man of a match performance on a night where Blackpool rediscovered what they were all about; a resilient defence, a clinical attack and all against a side that are by no means slouches themselves. They muffled the influence of Eaves and cut out any attack at its source, Blackpool were more importantly though back to winning ways. Exeter in the FA Cup next and it could prove to be a feisty one.
UTP
For stats visit:
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46027168
or
https://www.skysports.com/football/gillingham-vs-blackpool/preview/393221
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