Blackpool were once again outplayed, out-strengthened and outdone by a Lincoln side firmly in the bottom half of League One.
Blackpool started brightly, keeping to the basics and managing to work an early opening. Delfouneso headed wide at the near post in the opening minute, but the early signs were good as Blackpool tried to end their 7 match winless run.
Blackpool continued to impress and ought to have been ahead in the 9th minute. A Feeney corner was flicked onto the inside of the post by Delfouneso, before bouncing away and just eluding the awaiting Gnanduillet.
Blackpool were dealt what could have been a major set back in the 19th minute, as Spearing was adjudged to have brought down Max Melbourne despite arguably getting the ball before the man and turning away from the challenge. Spearing would have then been relieved to see Howard beat away the penalty, in another pivotal moment in the match. Blackpool were lucky, but whether the penalty should have been awarded in the first place is doubtlessly questionable.
The awarding of the penalty failed to spark Blackpool back into life and instead started a period of Lincoln dominance. This culminated in Howard once again puling off a fantastic save, as he found himself in inspired form with speculation surrounding a possible replacement. In the 37th minute Howard pushed away a John-Jules header destined for the corner and kept the scores level.
At half time the scores were level, but unbelievably neither side had managed to find a breakthrough.
Blackpool continued to look unconvincing in a scrappy second half and looked far from the cohesive unit that they appeared to be in the opening exchanges. Lincoln promptly pounced and it was another error that led to the opener. A rushed Heneghan clearance bounced off Spearing and initiated a Lincoln attack. It took just seconds for the ball to end up in the Blackpool net as John-Jules slotted home beyond a helpless Howard. Lincoln had the lead, and it was difficult to argue they didn’t deserve it.
This time Blackpool did rally to some degree. In the 67th minute Tilt could have easily found an instant equaliser as his header was cleared off the line twice, as it was almost turned in on the follow up.
This was the best Blackpool were to have though, as Lincoln defended solidly and even created chances of their own. In the 77th minute Walker cut back onto his left foot and, although the angle was against him, could have easily doubled Lincolns advantage. Instead, he fired high and wide, failing to even hit the target.
Blackpool are now 7 games without a win and were once again second best. Hardie once again scored for Plymouth, which proves the lack of service that is being provided in this side, and rather than looking up, Blackpool seem marooned in the middle of League One. The Blackpool of the first 15 minutes may have been attacking and exciting to watch, but the uninspiring performance as a whole is testament to the season so far.
If Blackpool want to challenge this season they have to improve, and they will have to do it fast.
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