Pool Panel - QPR (h) Lost 2-0

Another defeat but at least this time there were positives to be taken from the game.  For the first hour of the game we were the better side, with QPR unable to create any meaningful chances while a number came and went for us. 

Davies went close with a header while Cathcart was unmarked but spooned the ball over the bar from close in.  We again squandered chances in the second half with Gosling missing the opportunity to play in Ince then putting a header over the bar.  Ince was denied by a good save from Green, but there was the nagging doubt that we needed to capitalise on the good spell we were having.

Inevitably, Matty Phillips came back to haunt us, first by picking up on a poor kick out from Gilks to score with the aid of a deflection.  That gave him the confidence to really run at Robinson, and a great cross from him was buried emphatically by Austin.  The following celebration was uncalled for as he incited the crowd in the South Stand.  That killed the game as a spectacle and for the final 20 minutes the team lost all belief that they could get anything from the game and accepted the defeat.

We need to get out of this slump as soon as possible, and start to get some points.  The tactic of an isolated front man just isn’t working at present.  I’d like to see a front two working together.  At least we’d have a better chance of retaining possession and not squandering the initiative.  Hopefully we can get back to winning ways at Burnley.

STAR MAN: Barry Ferguson

Away Travel - Burnley (a)

The next bus trip will be to Burnley on December 21st.  

As some of you probably know, there are no trains running at weekends due to engineering works in Holme Tunnel scheduled to last until March.  I find it odd that the tunnel only seems to subside at weekends but there you go.  

The best alternative will be a Yorkshire Seasiders minibus, priced at £8 for the day.  That's a proper replacement bus!!

I suspect it will fill fairly quickly, so let Phil or Charlie know if you're interested in going.

Pool Panel - Yeovil (a) Lost 1-0 & Derby (a) Lost 5-1

Two away games, no points, five sent off.  Not a good week to be a travelling Blackpool fan as first on Tuesday night, we squandered a host of opportunities only to lose to an offside goal, with three players dismissed as a result of frustration as much as anything else.

The effect of those sendings off was then felt at Derby as we went into a game with one of the form teams with no centre halves.  Despite that, we took an early lead and then defended valiantly for the remainder of the half with Gilks well protected by a makeshift defence.

I’m sure we then went into the second half with a plan to keep it tight and allow Derby to become frustrated.  However, the initiative was quickly lost with a very debateable penalty.  I’m not at all sure there was any meaningful contact at all, and what there was occurred outside the area.

Goals change games and that one from the spot gave Derby the impetus they needed and for the remainder of the half we were constantly on the back foot , not helping ourselves with a gift goal followed by two more sendings off.

We need to put this week behind us, learn the lessons and go into some tough games with renewed determination not to give referees the opportunity to make rash decisions.  With QPR coming to Bloomfield Rd, there’s no danger of the team and fans not being up for the game.

The season will be defined by the next few games.  Let’s make it a good one.

STARMAN: Neal Bishop

Derby Away and Meeting

Just a brief note to say that the vote went for a trip to York next Sunday for a pre-Christmas drink and chat.  We will meet at the York Station Tap  - close to the entrance to the station - at around 1.00 then take it from there.

For anyone interested, I know a group of us are travelling to Derby on the train from Leeds, leaving just after 9.00 for the 12.15 kick off.  Alternatively, Wilf has a couple of spaces in his car.  If you're interested in the latter, drop him an email to make the arrangements.

A quick reminder that we have two tickets in hospitality for the game against Middlesbrough on 11 January.  Tickets are £5 to win the pair.  Let me know if you want any.

Also, we still have a few places on the minibus to Burnley on the 21st.  There are no trains to the game due to engineering works, so why not travel with us?  We'll be charging £8 for the trip.

Pool Panel - Sheffield Wednesday (h) Win 2-0

Saturday was ultimately a comfortable three points in a potential banana skin of a game against a struggling Wednesday side.  After taking a swift lead from a well worked corner routine we possibly got somewhat complacent but fortunately Wednesday were unable to capitalise on some decent chances.  In what was a scrappy first half, we rallied towards the end, giving a taster of what was to come.

Right from the second half whistle, I thought we were really focused and ran the game, with Sheffield showing no threat at all, while Fuller was unstoppable at times, harrying their defenders and causing real problems.  As has been customary in recent matches, we couldn’t relax until the second goal went in and that eventually arrived following good work by Ince and Blackett on the left.  As the ball broke to the latter, he played a great ball back to Gosling who calmly sidefooted home off the foot of the post.

After that, it was a case of whether Blackpool would add more to their tally and they came close to doing so.  The late substitute, Zeegelar put over a fine corner and Mackenzie was desperately unlucky to see his header cannon back off the ball.

All in all, a good three points on a day when a number of our rivals slipped up.  As a consequence, we have closed the gap on the top three, with the immediate two both to play in December.

It may not be too pretty to watch, but we are quietly and effectively enforcing our position in the promotion shake up.  Long may it continue.

STARMAN:  Ricardo Fuller