Sensational Blackpool beat Liverpool

BLACKPOOL completed a truly memorable night, beating Liverpool and ruining Kenny Dalglish’s first Premier League match in charge. The Tangerine hoardes went home delirious after witnessing a terrific performance from their time which earned them a deserved three points, and ensured they did the double over Liverpool, after winning 2-1 at Anfield earlier in the season. Mind you it didn’t immediately go to plan as Dalglish got off to the perfect start, when he saw his side score just four minutes in. The goal was simplicity itself, Martin Kelly’s pass sending Fernando Torres clear and the Spaniard - supposedly out of form - finished in emphatic fashion, smashing a rising drive into the roof of the net from a tight angle. Kenny Dalglish jumped for joy on the touchline - he couldn’t have wished for a better start on his return to league management. But the Seasiders wasted little time in hitting back when on 12 minutes Gary Taylor-Fletcher latched onto David Vaughan’s pass, wriggled his way past a half-hearted challenge by Daniel Agger and slid the ball under Pepe Reina. A quality finish from Taylor-Fletcher which brought Bloomfield Road to its feet. DJ Campbell put a header wide from close in and Charlie Adam’s half-hit shot was comfortably saved by Reina but there was nothing to separate the teams at the break. Adam had a thumping shot turned away 10 minutes after the retarts and Reina was in action moments later, spectacularly tipping Vaughan’s close range effort over the bar. (Blackpool Today)

Blackpool 1 - 2 Birmingham

Scott Dann's late winner lifted Birmingham City out of the Premier League relegation zone after a pulsating encounter with Blackpool. Dann latched on to a header from his central defensive partner Roger Johnson before slotting past Richard Kingson. The visitors had taken a first-half lead when Stephen Crainey's error gifted a goal to Alexander Hleb. A DJ Campbell volley looked to have salvaged a point for the hosts before Dann's 89th-minute winner. The goal handed Birmingham their first away league win of the season and catapulted them four places up the table to 15th. But it was cruel on Blackpool, who had more than played their part in a riveting match in which both sides created countless chances, with the visitors striking the woodwork twice and the hosts once. (BBC Sport)

Man City 1 - 0 Blackpool

Manchester City kept up the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United as they produced a battling performance to see off Blackpool. Carlos Tevez shot wide after 24 seconds before Gary Taylor-Fletcher forced Joe Hart to save as Blackpool improved. But City went ahead when Adam Johnson's 25-yarder was deflected in and Tevez missed from the penalty spot soon after following a foul on Yaya Toure. Tevez missed a host of second-half chances but City did enough to win. The result keeps City, who were hanging on to the win at the end, on the same points as neighbours United at the top of the division after the Red Devils' 2-1 win at West Brom earlier on Saturday, though City have played two games more. For a while, Blackpool appeared to have heeded their warning as they took the game to their high-flying hosts and began to cause some mischief at the other end, as Taylor-Fletcher collected an Adam pass and forced Hart into a flying save with a 12-yard shot towards the far corner. (BBC Sport)

Sunderland 0 Blackpool 2

Sunderland were made to pay the ultimate price for a series of embarrassing misses as Blackpool's DJ Campbell helped maintain the newly-promoted Tangerines' spectacular start to the life in the Premier League. The player, who first tasted top flight action when Black Cats boss Steve Bruce brought him to Birmingham City, scored twice in the second half to earn his side yet another win on the road. Sunderland manager Steve Bruce was able to draft the in-form Lee Cattermole and Danny Welbeck straight back into the starting line-up for this afternoon's Barclays Premier League clash with Blackpool. Skipper Cattermole missed the Boxing Day trip to Manchester United through suspension, while Welbeck was ineligible under the terms of his loan agreement with the Old Trafford club. They were joined by David Meyler as Cristian Riveros, Steed Malbranque and Bolo Zenden dropped to the bench alongside Titus Bramble, who was included after six weeks out with a knee injury. Blackpool manager Ian Holloway replaced the suspended Charlie Adam with Ludovic Sylvestre and was also able to call upon a long-term absentee as Alex Baptiste returned to the bench after knee surgery with the Seasiders tasting action for the first time since December 11. The game, assistant referee Sian Massey's first in the Premier League, began at a brisk tempo with the home side attempting to make an early impact in the wake of their 2-0 defeat at United.

It was Blackpool who took the lead with 52 minutes gone after Phillips forced Bardsley to concede a right-wing corner.David Vaughan played the corner short to Neil Eardley, who cut inside on to his left foot to send in a cross which Ian Evatt flicked on for Campbell to volley home from close range. The visitors might have increased their lead within a minute when Phillips fired in a rasping shot which flew just wide of Gordon's right post. Sunderland were stung back into life and launched a series of raids deep into enemy territory, but too often their final ball lacked the required quality to trouble Kingson and his defenders. There was little wrong with Henderson's firmly-struck 58th-minute cross to the near post, by Gyan could not keep the ball down as he slid in to meet it. Bruce immediately made his move when he replaced Meyler with Kieran Richardson in the search for greater creativity. However, the visitors might have increased their lead twice within a minute as the home side wilted. (Daily Mail)

Holloway's laughing but his slick side are no joke after Stoke win

Ian Holloway thought he looked resplendent, until a fan pointed at his grey overcoat with black felt lapels and bellowed: 'You look like an undertaker.' If it was meant to ruffle Blackpool's irrepressible boss, it failed dismally. With a look of mock indignation, he said: 'Cut me to the core, it did. I think I look quite smart, and I'm going to carry on wearing it.' Holloway can see the funny side more often than not, but he draws the line at the way his side were supposed to be dead and buried before a ball had been kicked. 'That did hurt,' he said, after seeing Blackpool's slick passing rewarded with a 48th-minute winner from DJ Campbell at Stoke on Saturday. 'It hurt me and the players to see some people predicting we'd be the worst team in Premier League history. 'Someone had us down for 10 points. Bit of a laughing stock. We have used that as a motivation to help keep us going. We are still light years away from securing our place in this division, but I am so proud of the way these players have responded to being disrespected like that. They have already doubled the lowest points total, and I am delighted for them.' (Daily Mail)

Blackpool v Manchester United clash called off as Britain's big freeze hits Premier League

This weekend's Barclays Premier League clash between Blackpool and Manchester United has been called off due to the freezing conditions at the Tangerines' Bloomfield Road ground. Temperatures dipped below minus eight on Thursday night meaning attempts to make the pitch playable, using protective covering and hot-air blowers, were in vain. The Seasiders expressed concerns over the state of the playing surface on Friday lunchtime, and the match was postponed later in the afternoon after match referee Peter Walton carried out a pitch inspection. No other games in the top flight have yet been called off. A statement on the club's website read: 'Mr Walton expressed concern that the severely affected areas of the playing surface would not thaw sufficiently for the game to be completed.' (Daily Mail)

Blackpool 2 v 2 Bolton

Bolton came from two goals down to share the spoils with Blackpool in a thrilling draw at the Reebok. Defender Ian Evatt headed the visitors ahead in the first half from a precise Elliot Grandin corner. Luke Varney headed another Grandin corner into the Bolton net to make it 2-0 just before the hour. But Martin Petrov pulled one back with a delightful volley and Mark Davies rescued the home side with a calm side-foot finish a minute from time. Before the match, Blackpool manager Ian Holloway had spoken of his admiration for Owen Coyle, who has turned Bolton into attack-minded entertainers this season. Indeed, with 26 goals from 14 matches, Wanderers came into the game unbeaten in November and with a goal tally bettered by only four Premier League sides. Yet the home side initially struggled to achieve such penetration against their Lancashire rivals and had it not been for the Seasiders' refusal to sit on a two-goal cushion Holloway could have left the Reebok with the upper hand over his opposite number (BBC Sport)

Blackpool 2, Wolves 1

PRINCE William's presence at Bloomfield Road inspired the Seasiders to a 2-1 victory over Wolves.

The Prince watched the game from a sponsor's box and was no doubt enthralled by what was another momentous afternoon by the seaside.Luke Varney opened the scoring with a superb goal just three minutes in and Marlon Harewood scored his fifth of the season on the stroke of half time.

Varney's goal was stunning, as good as any player in the Premier League could produce. Controlling Ian Evatt's long ball forward on his chest in front of the ponderous Kevin Foley, Varney stepped in from the left byline and smashed a first-time looping half-volley over Marcus Hahnemann from fully 30 yards. It was the kind of goal that very few players can score and one Varney will be telling his grand-children about. Even William looked impressed...

DJ Campbell had a shot blocked and Hahnemann saved from Hareood's low strike but in truth it was Wolves who went onto boss the half. They had 60 per cent of possession and missed good headed chances, Stephen Hunt and Kevin Doyle both missing the target after getting on the end of good crosses from left back George Elokobi. They paid for those missed chances on the stroke of half time when Varney - having a good afternoon - got on the end of David Vaughan's left wing corner and Harewood stabbed the ball home from six yards.

The second half began at a frantic pace and rarely let off...read more...

West Ham 0 - 0 Blackpool

West Ham's struggles at the foot of the table continued as they failed to break down Blackpool, who made 11 changes. The hosts dominated the first half and were unlucky to be denied a penalty when Craig Cathcart appeared to use an arm to block Victor Obinna's volley. Luis Boa Morte and Pablo Barrera wasted good chances and Carlton Cole hit the post as the Hammers continued to press. But Blackpool's Marlon Harewood was guilty of the worst miss of all when he shot wide with the goal at his mercy.
Boos rang out around Upton Park at the final whistle but for a side lacking in confidence, West Ham's players produced plenty of endeavour in an entertaining encounter which lacked only a goal. Both teams had a hatful of chances to grab a late winner but the defences held out and both managers had to be satisfied with a hard-earned point. (BBC Sport)

Holloway: Fine us and I'll resign

IAN Holloway has threatened to quit as Blackpool boss if the Premier League fine the Seasiders for making ten changes at Aston Villa.

The manager is furious with suggestions the club might be punished over their starting line-up for last night's 3-2 Premier League defeat.Of the team which started against Everton on Saturday, only Keith Southern retained his place. But Holloway is 100 per cent certain he has done nothing wrong. He says he has assembled a 24-man squad, believes they are all as good as each other and has a right to pick whoever he pleases ... read more ...

Aston Villa 3 - 2 Blackpool

James Collins headed a late winner as Aston Villa recorded their first home win since August with a dramatic victory over a much-changed Blackpool. Stuart Downing put Villa ahead with a volley that deflected beyond Richard Kingson but Marlon Harewood levelled with a side-foot shot before the break. Nathan Delfouneso volleyed Villa ahead again but Blackpool equalised when a DJ Campbell shot deflected in off Collins. The defender made amends minutes later when he headed in from a corner.

The goal came as a cruel blow to a Blackpool side that featured 10 changes from the team that drew 2-2 against Everton on Saturday. Six of those players, including skipper Jason Euell, were making their first Premier League starts this term. Given that the Seasiders arrived at Villa Park in the best away form of any team in the top flight, the wholesale change seemed a curious move from Blackpool boss Ian Holloway. And yet it was the visitors who made the livelier start, Villa old-boy Harewood spurning two early chances to score on his first return to Villa Park....read more...

Pool Share The Spoils With Everton

A DISALLOWED Marlon Harewood goal in the final minute prevented Blackpool taking all three points against Everton.

After a slow start, this game turned into a pulsating contest with Pool - after struggling to keep the Toffees quiet for the first hour - ending the match on top and looking more likely to win it. It finished 2-2, with the Seasiders twice going ahead, but twice being pegged back within minutes of scoring. Neal Eardley gave Blackpool a ninth minute lead when he curled in a free kick from 25 yards. But five minutes later Tim Cahill headed in his 50th Premier League goal to put the Toffees back on level terms. Former Pool loanee Seamus Coleman, causing havoc all afternoon on the right, tested Matt Gilks with a volley and curled a left foot shot inches wide. Yakubu and the outstanding Mikel Arteta also come close. But the Seasiders responded by scoring within two minutes of the restart after half time, David Vaughan battling his way through and slamming the ball past Tim Howard. A mistake by Matt Gilks allowed Everton to equalise just two minutes later though - the Pool stopper letting Seamus Coleman's low drive squirm underneath his body. Despite chances at both ends, especially in a frantic final 10 minutes, it ended honours even. (Blackpool Today)

Blackpool 2 - 1 West Brom

Blackpool capitalised on West Brom suffering two first-half dismissals to record their first top-flight home victory since 1971. West Brom were dealt an early double blow when Pablo Ibanez was dismissed for a foul on DJ Campbell, resulting in a penalty that Charlie Adam scored. Gonzalo Jara's lunge on Luke Varney saw the Baggies reduced to nine men. Varney doubled Blackpool's lead before Youssouf Mulumbu curled in what proved to be a consolation goal for Albion. Having beaten Blackpool twice in the Championship last season and defied expectation with a superb start to this campaign, West Brom brought both belief and momentum into the game. However, two incidents in the first half - both of which saw the Baggies emerge a man lighter - swung the match in the home side's favour. (BBC Sport)

Birmingham 2 - 0 Blackpool

Birmingham earned their first Premier League victory since August after outclassing Blackpool at St Andrew's. Liam Ridgewell gave the hosts the lead just before the break, nodding home from two yards after Nikola Zigic's header came back off the crossbar. Star midfielder Charlie Adam then gave the ball away in his own six-yard box and allowed Zigic to double the lead.
Blackpool were enterprising but lacked a cutting edge as the home side closed out a comfortable win. The Seasiders went into the match with the best away record in the Premier League and must have had hopes of further success on the road with Birmingham struggling to repeat the form which saw them go unbeaten for so long last season. But the resilience and belief that inspired Ian Holloway's side to wins at Wigan, Newcastle and Liverpool never really materialised at a soggy St Andrew's. Holloway had made headlines in the build-up to the match with a tirade about player power, the Bosman ruling and a lack of video technology in the game. But even if the latter had been in place, it would have had no bearing on a game in which Birmingham finally began to find some much-needed home form. Holloway's decision to go for an attacking formation should be commended, although the colourful boss might have had second thoughts as the Blues controlled the opening stages....read more...

Unlucky Tangerines ....

It's a current topic at the moment. Something that's in the forefront of Ollie's mind .... the poor refereeing that has taken place during a number of Blackpool's games. Here's a brief catalogue of these blatant errors:

Arsenal v Blackpool .... twenty odd minutes gone at The Emirates. Blackpool were relatively comfortable in their first trip to Arsenal. That was until unlucky Evatt appeared to commit a foul on the edge of the box. It turned out to be horrific. What was a clumsy challenge resulted in a double punishment for The Tangerines. Evatt was given a straight red card and Arsenal received a penalty. Replays show the incident was outside the box, and it was debatable if it was indeed a foul as Evatt appeared to touch the ball first .... Arsenal then demolished a 10 man Tangerines team.

Blackpool v Fulham .... again it was Evatt involved in a clear match changing decision. Blackpool were outplaying Fulham until Zamora's goal in the first half. During the build up to the goal Evatt was clearly fouled. Possibly two points dropped in their first home game due to a clear error on the part of the referee.

Blackpool v Blackburn ... minutes to go and Blackburn steal the winner. However, the Blackburn goal was clearly offside. A point lost for the battling Seasiders who outplayed Blackburn for most of the game.

Blackpool v Man City ... the most controversial so far. Grandin was deemed to have touched the ball in an offside position which meant the onside Taylor Fletcher's goal was disallowed. Grandin never touched the ball. Therefore it was a goal. Blackpool would have taken the lead at this point!!! Tevez was clearly offside when he received the ball from De Silva for his first goal. Therefore it should not have counted. Evatt was clearly fouled when Tevez battled for the ball which lead to his 2nd goal. Therefore ... all three points SHOULD have been in Blackpool's slingshot.

In total at least SEVEN points have been lost due to bad referee decisions. We SHOULD be on 17 points ... sitting pretty in the top 5 of The Premier League. Well clear of the bottom three.

Let's hope lady luck goes our way in future. Points are hard to come by in this division as it is ... without referees seemingly picking on the 'small fry' ...........