ET Heartache For Seasiders

The Seasiders went down in extra time to a Chris Martin strike which put pay to any dreams of a 5th round tie away at Chelsea.

With 1500 travelling fans from Blackpool, the away side came into the match with a lot of confidence and believed they could cause an upset.

Only ten minutes into the game, Blackpool left back, Pal Tierney was in the wars after he was on the end of two bone crunching tackles. The first came from Darren Huckerby who was promptly booked, and the second from Chris Brown who was given a warning. On the radio, both were described as sending off offences, and it’s ironic that Huckerby was to be the main difference between the two sides.

The best chance game half way through the first period when Adam Drury’s cross was prodded goalwards by Chris Brown.

This then saw City take control of the game, and a spell of pressure that lasted 15 minutes saw Dublin and Brown both go close. Michael Jackson almost put through his own goal also.

However, when The Seasiders had seen off the pressure, they went up the other end and took the lead. A corner taken by David Fox was nodded in by skipper Jackson to send the away fans into raptures on 37 minutes.

The visiting side should have doubled their lead moments later when Keigan Parker went bursting past the City backline, only to see his shot whistle over the top.

Half Time: Norwich City 0 – 1 Blackpool

It was obvious the home side would come out and attack ‘Pool and that’s exactly what happened, but didn’t really create many chances.

The first action of the half was Ben Burgess replacing Scott Vernon who limped off. Shortly after that Safri was booked for – guess what – a late challenge on Paul Tierney!

Keigan Parker had another great opportunity to extend the lead, but Marshall in goal for City was equal to his effort. The lively Scot then worked his way into Marriner’s book after giving him an earful.

Dickson Etuhu hit the woodwork.

Paul Tierney was given a well deserved rest when he was replaced by Kaspars Gorkss. The former Livingston man had his best game for The Seasiders.

Blackpool still created chances on the break, but were made to pay when Darren Huckerby slashed the ball into the roof of Evans’ net. The strike was described as unstoppable by the media, but some ‘Pool fans beg to differ.

The last 10 minutes were hectic, with both teams having chances to win it but the best chance fell to Chris Martin whose header flew in, only for it to be ruled out, a decision that was proven to be incorrect.

Full Time: Norwich City 1 – 1 Blackpool

From the outset, Jason Shackell was denied by Ben Burgess on the line. This pressure was to eat away at The Tangerines and moments later Huckerby was shown inside by Adrian Forbes, and allowed to ghost past him before rifling a shot past Evans. The FA Cup dream looked over for ‘Pool.

Huckerby nearly had his hat-trick subsequently but Ian Evatt was there to block his attempt.

David Fox scored for the mighty. However, this was ruled out for an infringement by big Ben Burgess on the goalkeeper. Again, this was an incorrect decision by Andre Marriner.

Shaun Barker was booked and was lucky not to be sent off by the referee – another wrong decision not to give Shaun his marching orders if you look at the judgment impartially.

HT in ET: Norwich City 2 – 1 Blackpool

The shocking Adrian Forbes was finally replaced by Claus Jorgensen.

15 seconds into the restart, ‘Pool forced a corner, which was cleared. Then Keigan Parker brought out the best in Champions League experienced stopper Marshall as his lob was tipped over. From that corner, Jacko flicked on the David Fox cross for Shaun Barker (who shouldn’t have been on the pitch remember – theme occurring here?) for the right back to knee home the equaliser!

The seaside jubilation was short lived though, as 8 minutes from time, a mad moment by Wes Hoolahan saw the little Irishman head back towards his own goal straight into the path of Chris Martin who was now 10 yards out and in front of goal. His original shot was blocked brilliantly put he pounced on the rebound to slot past Rhys Evans (who maybe could have got to it) and put The Canaries through to play the Premiership champions at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

There was time for another Keith Southern (who was fantastic all night) effort, but his drive was to no avail.
The League
Back to the bread and butter of the league now, with a vitally important playoff clash with Bristol City on Saturday.

The Robins were also knocked out of the cup last night, going down on penalties to Middlesborough.