Another Point For Pool…

…but is that enough to keep Grayson in his job?

On a sweltering hot day, Simon Grayson`s Blackpool ground out yet another draw in the league, this time away at Doncaster Rovers.

The Blackpool management started with the same team as against Oldham, with both Scott Vernon and Ben Burgess keeping their places up front. Before the game, Grayson had said that all the “top teams” use minimal amounts of players, and pointed out that he wishes to be no different. I hope his team selection was based on playing the best team, and not following a trend – copying what other teams do in our league.

The hosts started extremely brightly although Pool had their chances too. Shaun Barker hit the bar whilst Big Ben Burgess was foiled by the Donny keeper, Jan Budtz. On loan midfielder, Brian Stock (from Preston) went close from a free kick whilst Lewis Guy and Sean McDaid were causing The Seasiders difficulty.

Doncaster striker, Paul Heffernan, was through on goal after 24 minutes, only for Ian Evatt to save the day for Pool with a last ditch tackle. This was then followed by good work from Scott Vernon who created an opportunity for Wes Hoolahan. Unfortunately for the tricky left winger,m his effort hit the side netting. Half Time: Doncaster Rovers 0 – 0 Blackpool

Donny were quick out of the blocks after the break, with the impressive Stock (I`m sure we should have tried to sign him!) and James O`Connor going close early in the second period. This was then countered by a Blackpool substitution. Keigan Parker replaced the tired Ben Burgess, hoping to cause Graeme Lee and co pace problems on the break.

Later on in the game, James Coppinger had a fantastic chance to break the deadlock, but his goal bound effort was excellently blocked by Shaun Barker. Then, what Simon Grayson had been waiting for. The chance. Keigan Parker was gifted possession by the ex-pool loanee Sean Thornton, and scuttled away towards the Doncaster goal. He became one on one with Budtz, and lobbed him, only to see his curled effort miss the post, and the target, as he put wide. If you don`t take your chances, you don`t win games, and I`m sure Parker will be kicking himself as he`s cost the team two points.

David Fox was brought on late in the day for Wes Hoolahan, and Parker again missed the target with a chance, leading to the game finishing 0-0.

Toronto’s Thoughts…
Right, Mr Grayson wanted judging after ten games, so I will do. Granted, I wasn`t at the game against Donny, but this seasons record is awful. We cannot win games. Why is this? Is it because we lack composure in front of goal? Or the management are too cautious? I don`t know. One thing is certain is that our record stands at: Played 10 – Won 1 – Drawn 5 – Lost 4. We are a drift in the relegation zone, with a three point gap between us and the next team, Doncaster. “Judge me after ten games” was the plea from Simon Grayson at the start of the season. I have done, and he isn`t up to it. One of the best squads in the division, and we languish in the bottom four. Not good enough. On Radio Lancashire, the excuses are being poured out ala Colin Hendry. What worries me is that Larry talks about Simon Wiles as a first team regular, when he was looking for him to go out on loan in the summer to Rochdale along with Lewis Edge. This smacks of excuses, and panic buttons. We`re missing a player who wouldn`t be in the sixteen normally? Come again?

Time is up, sadly. Really nice bloke, but not good enough at this particular job unfortunately. Experience, needed, quickly.

Having said that, he wont go before Carlisle and if we beat them on Tuesday night, he’ll buy himself more time. The ball is firmly in Grayson’s court.