Pool Panel - The Last Week - Palace (h) Win 1-0 & Forest (a) Draw 1-1

Monday was a huge game for Blackpool, with the return of Holloway adding to the atmosphere.  The early sending off of Barry Ferguson added to the mountain we had to climb, but we defended magnificently and always looked dangerous on the break.  That paid off with a lovely strike from Matt Phillips who played himself back into form with a battling performance.  I thought Delfouneso was magnificent leading the line, tackling back and working so hard to ensure we got something from the game.

We followed up that huge win with another battling point at Forest.  Once again, we defended well, scored first with a great strike from Sylvestre and then suffered another harsh sending off.  The linesman was clearly signalling for a push on Osbourne but the referee took it upon himself to show a red card.

As a consequence we again had to defend for a substantial period, looking to catch the opposition on the break.  We also lost Mackenzie through injury and that proved too great a hurdle to cross, with Basham conceding a penalty late on.

However, four points with ten men against two teams in the playoff positions is a good return at this stage of the season, underlining the quality in the team and gives us a foundation to see us through to safety over the next two home games.

Paul Ince takes a lot of credit, making the right tactical changes along with the players who put themselves on the line.  I’m much more upbeat about finishing the season strongly.

STARMEN: Delfuenseo (Palace); Baptiste (Forest)

Pool Panel - A Free Weekend

The free weekend puts even more emphasis on how important the next game for Blackpool is.  The game at Ewood Park takes on crucial importance after last week’s defeat to another of our relegation rivals..  With the gap at only four points, it’s essential that we get something out of the game.  In all likelihood, a win goes a huge way to ensuring our safety, with maybe one more win needed after that.

The club has underperformed this season after such a promising start, disrupted by a succession of managerial changes and a sense of drifting along rather than taking the bull by the horns and really going for it.  It’s been a frustrating season because in all truth, no one side has really stood out and looked better than us.  The sooner we can ensure safety and put this season behind us the better.  With eight games to go, I remain convinced that we have enough about us to ensure we gather the points needed to guarantee that and then go into a summer of change where Paul Ince can get the squad he wants and start afresh.

With two games over the forthcoming weekend, and a large support expected to travel to Blackburn, it would be great to get maximum points.  That trip is followed by the return of Ian Holloway.  He gave us three wonderful years, but it’s no time for sentiment as the need for the win is overwhelming.

It’s time for the fans to get right behind the team and ensure we survive; any recriminations can wait until after the end of the season.

Away Travel

Blackburn Away - Good Friday

No mini bus for this game, but there is quite a few of us going on the train.  The idea is to take the 09.53 from Leeds and then have a few drinks in Accrington before the game.  The train goes via Bradford.  See you at the station if you fancy it.

Nottingham Forest away - Saturday 6th April

We're running a bus to Nottingham on April 6th,  We'll be leaving Leeds around 10.45.  We've still some surplus cash in club coffers so are limiting the cost per person to £10 maximum, but  may be less depending on numbers.  Please let Phil or Charlie know if you are interested - places filling up quickly....

Pool Panel - Peterborough (h) Lost 1-0

Peterborough (h) Lost 1-0

After the win at Watford, it was vital that the team built on the momentum gained and also to ensure a team below us didn’t make any ground.  The team started very brightly, buoyed with the confidence gained, making a number of chances, but the injury to Barry Ferguson after half an hour disrupted the shape of the team and we were never the same after that.

Inevitably we then allowed a crossfield ball to be headed back into the centre unchallenged where it was an easy finish for the onrushing midfielder.  Try as we might, we were then unable to break down a massed defence and slumped to another home defeat, putting us back into the relegation mix.

There is now a fortnight to stew on the result and ensure we are better placed to go into two massive games against our recent ex-managers over the Easter weekend.  To banish those relegation fears we need to take the chances when they come along.  On the whole, we’ve tightened up defensively, with the new centre half pairing looking solid.  However, we are not gelling going forward, with a number of promising opportunities being squandered as a consequence of a poor final ball, or a failure to make the right run.

Once again, the team seem afraid to play on the home pitch, which doesn’t help a team who try and play on the floor.  I’m sure we’ll take a large following to Ewood Park, and that support could be crucial in gaining a vital three points.

Keep the faith.

STARMAN: Gary Mackenzie

Player of the Season 2012/2013

Travel - Nottingham & Blackburn

NOTTINGHAM FOREST AWAY - 6th APRIL - Just a brief reminder that we're running a minibus to Nottingham for the game on 6th April. Price will be no more than a tenner and possibly less if we fill up.  Please let Phil or Charlie lnow if you are going.

BLACKBURN AWAY - FRIDAY 29th MARCH - Blackburn away is on Good Friday.  I know there's a fair few looking to travel by train, with a pint or two in Accrington beforehand.  I'll check out train times and make sure there's a full service and let you know which train we're looking to travel on.

In case you haven't seen it...

If you haven't previously had a season ticket and are worried about travelling back to Blackpool from Yorkshire for home games, we are usually able to offer lifts with enough notice.