Blackpool v Crystal Palace

Following on from the midweek reserve game, Blackpool were host to Paul Hart's Crystal Palace yesterday. Hopes were high with the home fans of a far better display against a side currently fighting relegation, following a 10 point deduction after going into administration. The Jimmy Armfield south stand was officially opened by club President, Valery Belekon, Owen Oyston and Chairman Karl Oyston prior to the kick-off. The game attracted 9,702 fans including 631 Palace fans. Manager Holloway made several changes from the side beaten by Sheffield United earlier in the week. In came on-loan Everton defender Seamus Coleman, Dobbie, Husband for the injured Vaughan, along with Clarke and Bannan. Out went Campbell, Ormerod, Eardley and Edwards. Ollie has not been frightened of ringing the changes in the past if he thought players were underperforming and on the whole it's worked out right for him. Unfortunately, Saturday's game back-fired on him very quickly. The numerous changes seemed to disrupt Pool's composure. Similar to the Blades game the Seasiders again got off to the worst possible start, with Palace scoring within 3 minutes, through a scrappy goal from Nick Carle. The ball seemed to take an age to dribble past an uncharacteristically flat-footed Baptiste who was positioned on the goal line. This gave Palace the confidence to take the game to the home side. It seemed to get worse for the Seasiders as the first half went on, the players looked at sixes and sevens not knowing how to break down the visitors. We were getting more and more frustrated watching a truly awful performance, which it got worse on the 33rd minute when Darren Ambrose made it 2-nil. He managed to control a bouncing ball and knocked it through Matt Gilks' legs. Palace were getting more dangerous and Alan Lee went close to making it 3-0. Holloway decided a change was needed and brought on Ben Burgess for the disappointing Stephen Husband. Burgess gave the attack an option they lacked with the height he gave. It came as no surprise when the home crowd showed their displeasure by booing their side off at half time. Obviously reeling from an Ollie half time team talk, the Seasiders took the initiative and got an early goal back through good work by Billy Clarke who passed to Dobbie, who in turn laid it off for Charlie Adam to hammer home. A massive sigh of relief was felt all around the home crowd, including the players. They began to relax more and started to control the game. Ollie introduced the hard working Brett Ormerod, who in my opinion should never have been left out of the team. This guy gives 100% every game and at 32 shows a lot of the younger players up. He also brought on Gary Taylor-Fletcher, which was his first game since coming back from injury. But despite Pool's dominance an equaliser was proving illusive. It finally came in 89th minute when Ian Evatt headed the ball into Burgess's path who scrambled the ball over the line at the second attempt. This caused the home crowd to erupt into unashamed euphoria. The referee allowed 4 extra minutes, which saw efforts by Dobbie and Ormerod being cleared off the line by a desperate and shocked Palace side. It ended 2-2, which at half time looked impossible. Did we deserve to win? I think not, because of a very poor first half. The referee was Phil Gibbs, who I have to say was far too fussy and pedantic and along with the condition of the ground made the game hard work. I think Saturday's result proved we are too inconsistent to get promoted this season, but credit should be given to the manager and players for the progress we have made. with seven more games to go, a top ten position is well within our reach. Let's hope we finish above our arch enemy PNE, because that alone will be such a sweet feeling.