Blackpool’s penalty shootout luck eventually ran out – having previously beaten Everton and Doncaster – when Wycombe ended our EFL Trophy run.
After drawing 1-1 with League 2 rivals Wycombe the game went to a penalties at Bloomfield Road with the Chairboys advancing to the quarter-finals with a 5-4 win.
Gary Bowyer admitted he’s happy to see a game that ends in a draw go straight to penalties but was obviously disappointed we went out. He told the Official Website
‘I like the format – if it’s a draw it goes straight to penalties – but I’m disappointed to be on the wrong end of it today after such a good run with it in previous rounds.’
He went on to say he learnt a lot from what he saw.
‘I learnt a lot again. You give players opportunities and some have taken them and some haven’t. Young Seb has come on and done ever so well, out of position, but he showed flashes of what he’s capable of.’
However, once again – as has been the case all too often this season – Bowyer felt Blackpool paid the price for not making the most of a positive start.
‘It was a great start and then we had the opportunity with the penalty to go two-nil up. It was disappointing from that point of view to have missed that because it would have given us a more comfortable lead.’
Bowyer also revealed Kelvin Mellor wouldn’t have played had Jim McAlister’s wife not given birth to a baby and so many other players were unavailable. Adding he was delighted for Mellor – as he was McAlister and his family – after his goal.
‘I’m delighted for him, I think we had seven missing and he wasn’t down to play initially. Jim McAlister’s wife has had a baby so congratulations to them today. As a result, Kelvin found himself back in the team. He came off with a bang but we’re hoping that’s nothing too serious.’
Sebastien Des Pres was also handed his professional debut when he came off the bench to fill in at right back. The boss finished by praising his performance and saying how he’ll have a role to play going forward.
‘He’s been training with us for a while and he’s someone that plays out of position to fulfil the 11 vs 11s, and he’s found himself at right-back a few times. I was delighted with him tonight. He showed great composure with the ball and he knows what he’s doing with it. He’ll be an asset to us.’
A player that could have come back into the Blackpool fold at the end of the month was John Herron.
However, it was also confirmed after the game a deal had been agreed with Dunfermline to extend his spell with the Scottish club until the end of the season.
The 22 year old midfielder would have returned to Bloomfield Road on 31st January but will now continue his loan with the Pars until the summer – he’s made 13 appearances for Dunfermline so far.
