Portsmouth visited Bloomfield Road looking to complete the double over the Seasiders after Erik Huseklepp's last ditch wonder-strike at Fratton Park earned them three points back in September.
Line-ups:
Due to several departures in the last two transfer windows, Portsmouth are down to the bare bones with regards to selection for Michael Appleton. Currently in possession of the smallest squad in the Championship, and the second smallest in the entire football league, it came as no surprise when Appleton named the same eleven that lost out late on against Birmingham. Boasting a remarkable bench, which included Benjani and Dave Kitson, there was plenty for Blackpool to be careful of in an experienced Portsmouth line-up.
Key Battles:
Matt Phillips Vs Tal Ben Haim
With the remarkable run of comeback victories that Blackpool were enjoying before the game came, perhaps unsurprisingly, Matt Phillips' best run of form in a Tangerine shirt. 10 goals in 10 games before the start of play suggested that Phillips could be a match winner, but he found a worthy opponent in experienced centre half turned full back Ben Haim. The former Chelsea and Manchester City defender, capped 62 times by his native Israel, kept Phillips quiet for long periods, and even ventured forwards to launch attacks for the visitors, putting Phillips on the back foot, this was certainly a head to head that went in the visitors favour.
Craig Cathcart Vs Marko Futacs
The Northern Irish centre back has a troubled past when it comes to powerful, old fashioned strikers. Certainly, forwards such as Charlie Austin, Jay Rodrigues, and Nikola Zigic have caused him problems this season, so when the 6 ft 3 Hungarian Futacs rocked up beside him, one could be forgiven for thinking he could be in for a long night. Quite the contrary, Cathcart put in a very impressive display, winning most of his aerial battles, covering well for Danny Wilson who was clearly struggling with the pace and invention of Huseklepp, and put in his fair share of crunching tackles. The one time Futacs did find some space, his 20 yard fizzing effort clipped the post.
Chris Basham Vs Liam Lawrence
In recent weeks, Chris Basham's inclusion has brought a drive and intent to the Blackpool midfield that is sorely lacking when it is packed with creative talent. His willingness to put his body on the line, and bust a gut to get involved at both ends at the pitch serve as a constant threat for the opposition and a momentum generator for the Seasiders. This time, however, Lawrence had a march on the former Bolton man. Clever in possession, and with good movement without the ball, the ex-Stoke man showed all of his Premiership experience to marshall the Portsmouth midfield. The fact that Basham was replaced with nearly half an hour to go was a testament to how well Lawrence had dealt with him.
Those who impressed...
Both full backs in Tangerine can take enormous heart in their performances, with both looking dangerous in attack and comfortable in defence against potentially dangerous Portsmouth wide men. Crainey in particular, who some believe has a problem with pacey wingers, gave Kelvin Etuhu very little to work with whenever in possession, and his glorious free kick to draw Blackpool level was just reward for a good night's work. Barry Ferguson in the heart of the midfield gave Blackpool impetus going forward with some smart runs, and kept the ball moving on a difficult playing surface as he put in a display that served as a timely reminder to those questioning whether he is worth his place in the side.
and those who didn't.
None of the front four can be too pleased with their performances on a difficult night for footballing purists at Bloomfield Road. The standard of the pitch can take part of the blame for the likes of LuaLua and Ince failing to make their mark on the game, as they struggled to cope with regular bobbles and inconsistent bounces. Roman Bednar looked ready to work with very little end product to show for it. Holloway was right to remove LuaLua and Ince with only ten second half minutes gone, with the former proving that, while he is capable of providing a moment of magic, he is also just as likely to frustrate.
The Gaffers:
After a display of such dominance on Tuesday night, it seemed only natural that the formation that worked so well be used again in the league. With hindsight, however, it may have been a mistake. The additional quality of Lawrence and Mullins with their Premiership experience quickly snuffed out the threat of the deeper LuaLua, before setting on Basham and Ferguson in their defensive roles to cause Blackpool problems. Ian Holloway's substitutions were spot on, and not for the first time in recent weeks. Gary Taylor-Fletcher provided the spark that LuaLua failed to muster, and Kevin Phillips' reputation alone caused the Portsmouth defence to drop deeper and deeper as the second half wore on.
Michael Appleton can return to the South Coast a relatively happy man. If offered a point at the start of play, he would surely have taken it, but there will be a tinge of disappointment that his side couldn't hold onto the points. Chances came and went for Huseklepp, who could have won the game by himself had he been more clinical, and it was only a moment of magic from an unlikely source that stopped the visitors returning home with all the points. With the threat of administration and the dreaded ten point deduction hanging over the club, the point will be gratefully added to the total.
Next Up:
The games come thick and fast for Blackpool, with a Valentine's Day trip to the Keepmoat Stadium one to cause the fans to wrap up warm. Doncaster Rovers will be keen to avenge the devastating late show they suffered at Bloomfield Road in October, when Tom Ince came off the bench to score two excellent goals, including a 25 yard thunderbolt deep into stoppage time, to claim the points after the now departed Billy Sharp continued his fine record against Blackpool with a first half strike.
A difficult game is in store, but if Blackpool can get the ball down and pass the ball as we all know they are capable of doing then the three points are definitely there for the taking against Dean Saunders' struggling Rovers team. Having had the weekend off when their clash with Crystal Palace fell foul of the weather, the divisions second bottom team will be fresh and keen to move closer to safety.
