From The Vault: Blackpool 5-2 Scunthorpe

Last time we accessed the vault, we reported on our 4-1 defeat to Doncaster in the FA Cup in 2005 – Colin Hendry’s last game in charge.

Today, we take you back to the game immediately after that – Simon Grayson’s first game in charge, live on Sky against Scunthorpe (it seemed fitting to select this match after our victory against them last time out!).

The Seasiders line-up that day was: Pogliacomi, Warrender, Clarke, Edwards, Armstrong, Wiles, Southern, Doolan, Morris, Murphy, Wright.

Hopes of a Seasiders resurgance following Hendry’s dismissal looked bleak after just three minutes; the ever troublesome Billy Sharp latched onto a ball over the top of the ‘Pool defence and rounded Pogs before slotting home.

Several fans had used the opportunity of the game being on tv to protest about Karl Oyston, and ‘Oyston Out’ chants could be heard on the tv.

On the pitch, ‘Pool equalised after 18 minutes. The ball found its way to John Murphy after great link up play by Warrender and Wiles and the likeable target man did the rest, firing home via the post.

On 21 minutes, Scunthorpe were reduced to 10 men after Andy Crosby was sent off for a professional foul on Tommy Wright. Wright had broken free after a great ball from Simon Wiles.

On the half hour, Warrender forced Paul Musselwhite into a great save from 25 yards.

Despite being down to ten men, the Iron regained the lead when Billy Sharp bagged his second from the spot. The penalty was awarded after Pogs pushed a Scunthorpe player whilst trying to come for a corner.

‘Pool were on top despite being behind though; Musselwhite saved well again, this time from Southern, whilst Tommy Wright fired wide.

‘Pool were level just before the break though; Ian Morris heading home Simon Wiles’ cross.

We then found ourselves ahead at half time after Wright fired home impressively from a very tight angle. The game had truly been turned on it’s head.

The second half was a quieter affair, but we did score a further two goals to seal an incredible 5-2 victory.

Rory Prendergast (on for Simon Wiles) crossed for Murphy to do the business, whilst Ian Morris scored a pearler at the death.

Matty Kay came on in the closing stages to become the youngest ever player to play a League game for the club at just 16. Grayson had wanted to start the youngster but had been talked out of it.

Like Simon Wiles though, and so many other ‘Pool youngsters (including Dominic Merella, who has just joined the Glenn Hoddle Academy), Kay never established himself at the club.

One person who did though was Simon Grayson. You don’t need me to tell you that story however.