McDonald Under Pressure As Pool Lose Again

It was the same old story for McDonald’s Blackpool as two goals in the last five minutes saw them slide to a 7th defeat in a row.

Much of Blackpool’s games have gone the same way this season, with the side not taking their chances throughout the game and then being punished late on.

Bright Osayi-Samuel and Jim McAlister both went very close early on though AJ Leitch Smith saw a deflected effort miss the target soon after.

Kwame Thomas also had a decent chance before the break as his effort flew wide, as did Anthony Grant for the home side as he saw his effort fall into the hands of Lyness.

The Seasiders should have taken the lead before the break when David Norris fired an effort at goal, only for his effort to be narrowly kept out.

Blackpool had chances again after halftime. Some good play from Cullen and Thomas saw McAlister go through on goal but his strike hit the defender and went away from the goalmouth.

But after all Pool’s wasted efforts Vale started to get into the game and took the lead on 82 minutes when AJ Leitch Smith was freely allowed to place an effort into Lyness’ net.

The home side quickly capitalised on a side who’s confidence had been dealt a further blow and Uche Ikpeazu’s pass fell to the feet of Birchall who tapped the ball in for 2-0.

At most clubs, seven defeats in a row would be enough to get the manager sacked. Though with Karl Oyston seemingly content with his lack of investment on players and the club in general and McDonald’s reluctance to challenge him, McDonald could well remain in his position.

Of course this cannot be blamed just on Neil McDonald, I genuinely do think he is putting his best efforts in to try and turn the club’s fortunes around, it just isn’t working.

Many managers have tried and failed to stop the sinking ship that is Blackpool FC and McDonald is now discovering just how difficult the Blackpool job is. Any manager would struggle.

A loss to Fleetwood on Saturday would be a dark day for the Tangerines and would show just how far they’ve fallen from the great team they once were. Let’s see what happens.