Blackpool, although coming out with an original purpose, would become tentative when Solihull started stringing some passes together. In the 5th minute Solihull would produce their first chance as Osborne would try from distance, only for a deflection to take the sting out of the strike. Solihull were actually quite threatening down the left and Blackpool were struggling with the long ball. These defensive frailties showed 14 minutes in as Wright fired wide after Blackpool failed to clear one of those long balls.
But it was inevitable that the Seasiders would grow into it, and so they did, with Nottingham heading over 16 minutes in. Nottingham was playing a pivotal role as he would play a central role in Blackpool’s next move, laying off to Dodoo who could only find the side netting.
Blackpool would experience a close call 27 minutes in as the linesman spotted an offside despite the ball ending up in the offside. Despite much unnecessary deliberation by the BBC pundits, it was blatantly the correct decision.
It was Blackpool though that should have taken the lead 2 minutes later when the keeper dropped to the feet of Gnanduillet, but the big striker could only lash high and wide.
The game was largely quite though as a rasping Osborne drive and an optimistic Thompson effort were the best chances through the remainder of the first half.
Blackpool came out in the second half with a new greed and hunger. Their football was becoming more fluid and they were finally producing openings. Early on Blackpool had a number of chances and the first was probably the best of the whole lot. A Dodoo pull back for Gnanduillet saw the Frenchman with time and space, his shot hit the target, but it was straight at the keeper.
Gnanduillet was a real handful up top, but it just wasn’t coming off for him, as another shot drifted by in the 53rd minute. Blackpool were getting the chances but failing to convert, even the form Dodoo couldn’t find the net when a forceful effort was palmed away by a strong hand by Boot.
Blackpool were throwing the kitchen sink at the match, but repetitively lacked that all important final touch. But the longer the score stayed at 0-0, the more the thought of a Moors goal lingered and they would begin to work their way towards this possibility.
In the 76th minute Blackpool would be back on the ropes as Yussuf saw a shot deflected wide by Tilt, as it looked destined for the net. It was end to end stuff though, as Blackpool would break forward 2 minutes later with Pritchard being serviced. Pritchard would then be quickly closed down by Boot despite him being 1 on 1 with the Moors keeper. Yet another excellent chance squandered.
In the final few minutes both sides tried to find a way through but just couldn’t. Key blocks from Daniels helped Blackpool on their way while at the other end they couldn’t get just the one goal that was required. Blackpool now have a replay in store, and will learn their Round Three opponents to be in the time being. An extra game is the last thing the Seasiders need, especially with the current hectic schedule, but at least it isn’t a loss and provides recovery from Tuesday.
Blackpool battle on, but with confidence knocked, things need to be welded back into place.
Comments