Pool Panel - Watford (h) 2-2

Another point rescued from the jaws of defeat, but in all truth, we should never have been in that situation.  Once again, costly defensive errors gave us a mountain to climb.  Appleton has to continue working with the defence to act as a unit; individually they are decent players but time and time again silly mistakes cost us.

Watford had four shots at goal on Saturday and scored with two of them.  It’s the same old story for Blackpool and until we resolve the defensive conundrum we will continue to have to do more than we need to.

After a first half in which we gave away a two goal lead, at least we had the resolve and the ability to rescue a point.  The introduction of Osbourne into midfield gave us a real platform to build from and we were always threatening in the second half.  If only we could do that for 90 minutes; we are due to give someone a real hammering.  The resilience in the side meant we plugged away and got our reward deep into stoppage time for the second week running.

While still finding his feet, Appleton has identified where our strengths and weaknesses lie.  Hopefully he can get the best out of the squad which remains one which can challenge in the higher echelons of the Division.  I hope he can find the right blend starting on Tuesday against Birmingham.

STARMAN: Nathan Delfuenso

Pool Panel - Bristol City (away) Draw 1-1

A long trip to Ashton Gate was eventually rewarded with us gaining another point.  When it gets to injury time and you’re losing, a point is a fair result, but in all truth, this game should have been sewn up before then.  I thought we missed the promptings of Taylor-Fletcher and Phillips, and as a result, we never quite clicked despite having the better of the game.

Most of the action was in the Bristol half of the pitch, but we never quite made clear enough chances, with Grandin in particular, anonymous, after a few decent performances from him.  Their keeper was man of the match with a string of great saves, one in particular from Tom Ince, when the ball came back off the post from a shot by Delfuenso.

The positive to be taken was that we moved up the table and closer to the play off positions and there are signs that we’re not far off being back to our best.  In my opinion, it comes down to confidence, and only a decent win will give the side that self-belief.  If we can score first in a game then I’m sure we’ll go on to win comfortably.

This was effectively Appleton’s first game in charge with his ideas in development.  Early indications are that we will be harder to beat away from home, with a tighter defensive shape, but we still have the players to counterattack to good effect.  Ince in particular scared them all afternoon.

Two home games now give us a real chance to get wins and move up.

STARMAN: Thomas Ince

Next Meeting - Barnsley - 25th November

The next Yorkshire Seasiders meeting will be held in in Barnsley at the Old Number 7 pub. 

The Old No.7 is an excellent place with a superb range of beers available – and more importantly it is run by a Blackpool fan!

The Old No.7 is conveniently located for the Train Station and should hopefully make it easier for those located in the South of Yorkshire to attend.

http://www.oldno7barnsley.co.uk/

This will be our annual general meeting, where we vote on appointments to the board for the year going forward.  Phil and I will circulate a report on our activities for the year ahead of the meeting and a proposed agenda in advance. 

It would be great if as many people as possible could attend.

Pool Panel - Sheff Wed (away) won 2-0 & Bolton (home) draw 2-2

The start of a new era with four points from two games.  On Tuesday night, we were over the shock of the departure and played like we all know we are capable of, comfortably beating Wednesday on their own pitch under the tutelage of Steve Thompson.  We put on a real midfield passing show, with Grandin and Sylvestre pulling the strings and Ince and Phillips terrorising their fullbacks.

The following day saw the unveiling of Michael Appleton as the new manager.  I wish him all the best for the future.  He comes into a set up with a good squad of players who, with a little direction, can be a force in this Division.  I don’t envisage wholesale changes, just some input into defensive organisation which will make all the difference.

In his first game in charge, Appleton would have seen that we are dangerous going forward, scoring two goals, including a beauty from Ince, and possibly deserving more.  Yet again, two calamitous errors cost us at the other end as first Baptiste and then Crainey made mistakes allowing the opposition to score, where they didn’t really create a lot all afternoon.

At least we showed that we are resilient, coming back twice to draw level.  The squad has the ability and I see no reason why we can’t be involved at the end of the season.  With a week to get to know his players, next Saturday will be the first when he can put his own stamp on things.  Interesting times.

STARMAN:  Ludo Sylvestre (Sheffield)

STARMAN: Tom Ince (Bolton)