The Seasiders travelled to Vicarage Road in search of their first league victory under Ian Holloway. Whilst they didn’t manage that, ‘Pool stretched their unbeaten run to five games under the new manager (and an impressive ten matches dating back to last season) with a 2-2 draw.
There were two changes to the draw on Tuesday night, with Jay Emmanual-Thomas and Stephen Crainey coming in for Brett Ormerod and Rob Edwards.
And the Tangerines started brightly – which is an improvement on earlier games – without really threatening. It was Tommy Smith who opened the scoring for the hosts on 24 minutes when he found the bottom corner after Baptiste had been caught square with a throughball. Ian Evatt was slightly unlucky not to have won a freekick for being nudged over by Danny Graham in the build up to the goal.
No matter though, as Jay Thomas scored the equaliser on his full debut soon after the restart. What was more pleasing was that we finally found the net from a corner – which, after Neal Eardley has taken over the duties, is no coincidence. Was it Thomas’ goal though? The big man definitely headed towards goal but it is unclear as to whether Baptiste got a touch on the line or not.
However, they weren’t on level terms for long. After scoring in the 55th minute, ‘Pool switched off as they allowed The Hornets to regain the lead eight minutes later. Smith again involved (Watford will hope that they stave off interest from Reading for the front man) as he crossed for Tom Cleverley at the back stick where he slid in to unfortunately wrong foot Paul Rachubka.
But there is the same fighting spirit under Holloway as there was with Grayson and Parkes; the away team sealed a point with 20 minutes when Charlie Adam brilliantly crossed from the right hand side for Gary Taylor-Fletcher (who did well to burst into the box after initially finding Adam) and the midfielder poked home from two yards.
So, another credible point for Blackpool away from home and we stay in 13th place. Next Saturday presents the best chance of a victory so far, with Coventry City coming to Bloomfield Road and after good early season form dying down, now could be a good time to play the Sky Blues.
But first it’s Wigan on Wednesday for a chance to compete in the third round of the League Cup and a possible trip to Man United or Arsenal…
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Didn’t think it was a bad game, Was impressed with your away support, loud and proud, all the best for the season