Blackpool’s March

SuddickTheKing writes…

After the disappointment of February, could Larry turn things around? After a brilliant win at Oldham could we ‘kick on’? Well, statistically speaking, with 4 wins, 2 draws and only 1 defeat we did and ended up with a pretty healthy points total and 6th place in the table going into the final straight. However, for me March is a month remembered for the huge contrast between the results and the performances. We grittily came from behind twice at Gillingham to get a draw, easily beat a very poor Bournemouth side then stuttered to a 0-0 at home to Brighton. The win at Yeovil was, by all accounts, a classic away performance where we defended for our lives and bagged a goal. What a massive win that was. Bradford was somewhat less impressive, the scoreline definitely flattering us. I witnessed a really poor performance at Rotherham where we got what we deserved and Crewe, well, after a so-so first half we put on an exhibition in the second but still ended up hanging on.

So, what to make of it all? Larry quite rightly says that at this time of year results are much more important than pretty football. True up to a point. I’m certainly not going to argue as we are now 4 points clear of 7th placed Swansea. I just feel that Larry still doesn’t know his best side. Rachubka has made the no.1 spot his own and the back four – despite my reservations about playing too deep when Jacko plays – is, in the main, pretty solid. Unfortunately we cannot keep clean sheets because we switch off at crucial times for some reason. It happened yet again on Saturday. Midfield doesn’t help and has been the problem area. However, I like the look of Brandon and it was wonderful to see Wes weave his magic patterns again on Saturday. Fox has to play (if fit) but needs a fit Gnashers alongside him. I know that Claus played well at Bradford but when he starts we are lightweight in the ball winning department – it was no coincidence that our only spell of pressure at Rotherham came after the introduction of Bean (incidentally, does anyone know what he has done to be consistently left out of the squad except for emergencies?). Up front I was pleased to see Keigan back in harness with Morrell and as I said last month, I do believe his pace could be crucial in these last few games.

In theory, there is no reason why we shouldn’t win our next four games. Hopefully Scunthorpe will have won it by the time April 28th comes round and they will be ‘on the beach’ meaning that Swansea away will be a formality?. not a chance! This is Blackpool and we all know that there is a lot of nail biting to come! That said, if you had said to me when I wrote my February report that with 6 games to go we’d be where we are I’d have snapped your hand off. We need to continue to ‘win ugly’ if necessary and hold our nerve. We are in pole position, let’s hope we can stay there.