Blackpool managed a draw away at Colchester United in their first game back in League One. Mark Cullen grabbed both the goals for Pool in an impressive display from the striker.
Blackpool started the game very impressively with a fine attacking display, Jack Redshaw particularly impressed and almost gave the side the lead on 7 minutes after linking up with Bright Osayi-Samuel, he also should of put the side ahead when Henry Cameron squared the ball to him with the goal at his mercy but he only managed to scuff his shot.
Pool then managed to get ahead on 18 minutes when Osayi-Samuel picked up the ball on the left before cutting in and playing a ball to Cullen, who’s finish was perfect to give the Tangerines a 1-0 lead. The side was looking confident, but their inability to close Colchester down meant Alex Gibbey had a perfect chance to half volley in from outside the area, beating Colin Doyle in the Blackpool goal and levelling things up at 1-1.
It seemed the two sides would go in level at half time after Doyle made a fantastic save from Gavin Massey on 44 minutes, but just before the break Mark Cullen picked up the ball on the left before cutting inside and drilling a low effort into the bottom left corner before running to celebrate right in front of the Blackpool faithful, immediately after the final whistle went.
Colchester came back out the much better side and McDonald brought Cubero on for Henry Cameron to attempt to close Colchester down in midfield, but Colchester went ahead soon after when Gavin Massey got down the right and drilled the ball across to Darren Ambrose who tapped in. Blackpool struggled for the rest of the half to recreate their performance from earlier in the game and Colchester could of gone ahead 15 minutes before the end of the game when Cubero gave the ball away and Massey ran through on goal only to be denied by Doyle, unfortunately for the keeper he hurt his shoulder in the process which gave fans the chance to get a look at the other new keeper Kyle Letheren.
The game finished 2-2, a decent point for Pool who managed to withstand the Colchester pressure and not concede again. There’s lots to work on for Neil McDonald and his side, ball retention and concentrating in defence being two major improvements that need to be made. However there were many positives to take, they looked good going forward and certainly have the potential to threaten sides this year. If Pool can strengthen and get more experience in then they should do fine this season, Colchester aren’t one of the better sides in the division but a point is a good start for the Seasiders.
Player Ratings
Colin Doyle
8, the Goalkeeper put in a great performance and made several good saves to deny Colchester going ahead. Had to be subbed off due to injury 15 minutes before the end.
Emmerson Boyce
7, a solid game for the experienced right back. Made very few errors and Colchester didn’t have much success down the left.
Lloyd Jones
7, the 19 year old did well on his Blackpool debut and was solid all game.
Clark Robertson
6, the centre back didn’t do too badly but will look to improve on this performance.
David Ferguson
5, Ferguson had a lot to deal with. Colchester’s game plan was clearly to get down the right and he sometimes struggled.
Henry Cameron
5, the youngster didn’t put in the type of performance we saw from him last season.
Jim McAlister
6, wasn’t too bad on his debut but will certainly has the potential to play better.
Brad Potts
5, often struggled to keep the ball but showed glimpses of his ability as a midfielder.
Bright Osayi-Samuel
7, got 2 assists and had spells in the game where he dominated the left wing bu sometimes gave the ball away and tried to do too much.
Jack Redshaw
7, played well early on and his quickness caused Colchester problems but could have finished a couple of opportunities.
Mark Cullen
9, scored 2 goals on his debut and constantly caused problems for the opposition.
Jose Cubero
5, gave the ball away when he came on which caused Colchester to go one on one with Colin Doyle.
Kwame Thomas
6, impressed in the air and looked a strong player.
6, made no errors but had little to do.
