Blackpool’s unbeaten run came to an end in spectacular fashion as they lost to play-off hopefuls Bury 4-3.
It was a difficult watch for the big away following early on as Pool conceded twice in ten minutes.
First, David Ferguson scored an own goal after a knockdown from a Bury corner.
Shortly after another Bury corner caused Blackpool problems, this time Danny Rose’s header ended up in the back of the net.
It really was shambolic from Blackpool who were completely disorganised and lost at the back. It was completely different to the side we’ve seen play in recent fixtures.
Mark Cullen did get a goal back on 12 minutes after an error from Bury keeper Daniel Bachmann allowed him to pass the ball into an empty net.
Though on 27 minutes Bury went 3-1 up. Chris Hussey’s freekick was dealt with poorly by Colin Doyle who attempted to scramble back across his goal line but could only palm the ball onto the post and into his net.
It certainly wasn’t Doyle’s best game for the Seasiders who was again beaten soon after, this time by a long distance strike from Tom Soares. The Pool midfield were painfully slow in getting out to Soares who had time to power an effort at goal, though Doyle certainly could have done better.
The Tangerines gave themselves a lifeline just before halftime when Jack Redshaw’s freekick was met by the head of Clark Robertson, who’s effort came off the underside of the bar and went in.
Things calmed down after a goal filled first half and Pool struggled to break through the Bury back line.
Pool did score again late on as Jack Redshaw scored another penalty after Martin Paterson was fouled in the area, but this wasn’t enough to earn Pool a result.
It really was a poor performance from McDonald’s men in large parts of the game and was totally different to what we’ve seen in recent games.
The Tangerines’ back line were all over the place and the goals conceded were very avoidable.
Whilst there were negatives, the attacking threat Pool possess, which gave them a chance of a draw, gives them an advantage over teams around them.
Hopefully this can be looked back on as an off game for Pool. Though this will certainly serve as a warning that McDonald and his side have a long way to go this season if they don’t want to be involved in a relegation fight.
Pool need to get back to form on Tuesday against Bradford.