Thriller At The Gate

Would this be the day that we could score our first goal and get our first point? The answer. Yes. And all three points AND four (yes, four!) goals at that.

I was unable to attend the game down in Bristol on Saturday due to money issues (although I don’t think I would have travelled anyway, with things how they are), so I was left with the commentary from Bristol City’s official website. It wasn’t too bad actually, apart from the fact he thought we were wearing orange shorts!

Blackpool had plenty of chances early doors, as Vernon and Forbes were both denied. Blackpool, did however, take their chance eventually after a long period of dominance, when Adrian Forbes’ overhead kick sent Scott Vernon through and the former Oldham man slotted home.

City did reply just before the break with a goal from Enoch Showunmi after he drilled right-footed from left side of penalty area past Rhys Evans in the Seasiders goal. The sides went in at 1-1.

Then after a niggly start to the second period, ‘Pool took the lead when skipper Michael Jackson hooked a left-footed strike into the top left handside of the goal from a cross suplied by Keith Southern. This was followed by a bizarre subsitution by Simon Grayson. Adrian Forbes came off due to injury and was replaced by front man Keigan Parker. The Scotsman then had the ball in the net twice shortly after, although he was offside on each occasion.

Bristol City then came back again. Steve Brooker was foiled by Rhys Evans when he went through. Then Paul Tierney fouled subsitute Dave Cotterill just inside the box, resulting in a penalty. Enoch Showunmi netted his second, placing the ball left footed past Evans making it 2-2.

Scott Vernon then missed a go(a)lden (poor pun, sorry!) oppurtunity when his header from six yards out missed the target all-together. No worries. A Shaun Barker throw was cleared, to be crossed back in, to Ian Evatts head. He won the header, knocked it down for Keigan Parker, and he lashed home. 3-2 to the ‘Pool.

Another subsitution from Blackpool, with Paul Tierney being replaced by Marc Joseph. On the commentary, we were accused of ‘time-wasting tactics’. Good to see it’s from us for a change! Well done lads! Another change followed with Danny Graham coming on for debutant Andy Morrell, who had a slight injury.

A free-kick was then given to City in the last minute. Everyone was back. Noble took it, hit the wall, and Blackpool broke. Parker broke away with a 70 yard wonder pass to Danny Graham, who made headway for the City goal, curling the ball into the corner, sending the travelling support into raptures. Songs of ‘E I E I E I O Up The Football League We Go’ were slightly pre-mature though! A City fan, after the goal was seen to be argueing with Bristol manager, Gary Johnson, which is sad to see so early on in the season.

Late chances for City didn’t come to anything and BFC came away with all three points. Fantastic entertainment for all, with six goals, four for ‘Pool, unbelievably, after not scoring in any of the opening fixtures. How fitting that this ‘thriller’ would see a certain Michael Jackson score!

Bristol City 2 – 4 Blackpool

Roll on Barnsley.