Who Needs Millions?

Who needs millions? We’ve got passion, and a hell alot of it!

11th August 2007. The start of a new campaign for The Seasiders and what will this year bring? Judging by today`s display, we could be in for a very interesting season indeed?

Simon Grayson`s men battled and battled against an above average (for this league) Leicester side – who are widely tipped for promotion – and came away with a magnificent 1-0 victory thanks to a Keith Southern goal. That however, as you can imagine, doesn`t tell the whole story?

The main story prior to the game was the inclusion in the starting eleven of Wes Hoolahan. The little Irishman had been given clearance to play hours before, and was in a Blackpool line up that looked like:

Rachubka

Barker – Evatt – Jackson © – Crainey

GTF – Southern – Fox – Hoolahan

Morrell – Parker

In the opening five minutes, ‘Pool were well on top and City looked overawed by the weight of expectation. A succession of corners set the tone for the opening moments.

Gary Taylor Fletcher could only find the keeper from 18 yards when it needed guidance around him, which was disappointing after such a strong start.

After 15 minutes, The Foxes began to find their feet and Iain Hume could have scored the opener as he pounced in the box but his finish flew over the top. A minute later, Mark De Vries was allowed far too much time and on the swivel fired a shot onto Rabs` crossbar. The Seasiders were lucky not to be behind. The two central defenders were allowing Hume and De Vries too much room as they backed off and looked tentative, which has to be a point of note.

Andy Morrell had a chance to open the scoring, but it was at the other end where the action was happening. Iain Hume was unlucky not to score as Rachubka tipped wide then the home team could have gone ahead when the goalkeeper totally mistimed his punch from the corner but thankful for us, no City player had gambled round the back and the ball floated out of play. A let off, but not as bigger let off as the next corner: all Blackpool defenders watched as Leicester men attacked the ball and Mark De Vries from six yards couldn`t connect with his header and again the ball floated away for a goal kick.

David Fox was close to scoring, but his 30 yard half volley flew over after Henderson in goal was left stranded.

Half Time: Leicester City 0 – 0 Blackpool

In the second half, ‘Pool came out in a similar fashion to the first half. Wes Hoolahan River danced past three or four home defenders in the space of five yards (!) before fizzing a shot onto the post. By this time, I thought that could have been our chance to steal the points but what came on 63 minutes I don`t think I`ll ever forget.

A cross had just eluded Keith Southern at the back post as he collided with City defender James Chambers. The right back proceeded to stay down in the six yard box and the ‘Pool played on with Stephen Crainey on the left as he floated a ball to the back post. By this time, Blackpool had three players in the box, one of which was Taylor Fletcher who poked the ball goalwards, and it fell to Southern who smashed it on the turn into the roof of the net – over the injured Chambers!

The next half an hour or so I wouldn`t wish on anyone: kitchen and sink being thrown probably describes it quite nicely! Or maybe the Paul Rachubka show?

Firstly a double save from DJ Campbell was world class, throwing himself at the feet of the £2million man after flying to his left to save the first strike. Then he denied Iain Hume. Then he stopped Campbell marking his debut with a goal from close range. Then he tipped a Mark De Vries header onto the post. A world class performance (bar two calamity James style drops from corners, but we`ll forget them for now) from the ‘keeper who deserves the plaudits.

Gorkss and Jorgensen came on in the second half and we adopted a 4-5-1 for a time, and the hearty last ditch defending was brilliant. On another day, we would have lost four, maybe five one, but you need luck, and that`s exactly what we got. I`m not taking anything away from Larry and the players; the gutsy passionate showing filled me with pride to be a Blackpool fan. The away following was – as always – immense, there`s not much more to say in all honesty.

We`re ahead of Bumley and Prescum, roll on Bristol City – after steam rolling Huddersfield!