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Blackpool wasted a two-goal lead to succumb to their first defeat of the season against Coventry City.
Blackpool wasted a two-goal lead to succumb to their first defeat of the season against Coventry City.
Simon Grayson’s men looked set to extend their six-match unbeaten run thanks to a first-half Sullay Kaikai brace.
But two lapses in concentration at the back allowed Coventry a route back into the game.
Matty Godden notched the first four minutes before the break and three minutes later Wesley Jobello levelled matters right on the stroke of half-time.
Coventry were the better side in the second half but they had to wait until the first minute of stoppage time to get their winner, Callum O’Hare the man to confirm Pool’s misery.
It came with Pool holding on with 10-men, as Nathan Delfouneso was forced to hobble off with a recurrence of his hamstring injury after coming off the bench for the final stages.
It is a first defeat of the season for Blackpool, who drop down to seventh int he league table.
Simon Grayson made one change to his side from last weekend’s draw with Portsmouth, Callum Guy replacing Jordan Thompson who is currently away on international duty.
Rocky Bushiri was also available for selection due to being away with Belgium’s Under-21 side.
Nathan Delfouneso returned to the squad, named on an attacking bench alongside the likes of Sean Scannell and Ryan Hardie.
A sign of Blackpool’s strength in depth was made evident with Nick Anderon, Michael Nottingham and Calum Macdonald all being left out of the 18.
Pool, just as they did against Portsmouth last week, came flying out of the traps - but this time their early pressure resulted in a goal.
It took just 50 seconds, too, Grayson’s men getting off to a flying start thanks to Sullay Kaikai’s audacious attempt.
The winger was left in reams of space at the back post but Kaikai still had it all to do, but he still managed to loop a side-footed volley over the keeper and into the back of the Coventry net.
The home side were left chasing shadows in the early stages as the Seasiders looked to capitalise on their promising start with an early second.
Pool were again seeing plenty of joy down the flanks, with a James Husband cross almost reaching Armand Gnanduillet in the centre.
Coventry thought they had earned an equaliser after 11 minutes when former Fleetwood Town man Jordi Hiwula hit the back of the net, only for the ‘goal’ to be ruled out for offside.
It was a big let-off for Pool as well, as Liam Feeney had completely switched off in the right wing-back position.
The Seasiders quickly countered and wasted a huge chance to double their lead through Joe Nuttall, who could only shoot wide.
The forward had beaten the offside trap to get in behind Coventry’s backline, where Nuttall then shifted the ball onto his stronger right foot before failing to test the keeper at the near post.
After a brief lull in the game, Pool enjoyed another promising opening down the left as Husband was again left in space thanks to Kaikai’s trickery.
The wing-back ran into the Coventry box unopposed and saw his cross inadvertently deflected over the bar by defender Kyle McFadzean.
Pool doubled their lead seven minutes before the interval and it was that man Kaikai again getting on the scoresheet.
It all came from Joe Nuttall’s through ball to Gnanduillet, who was denied by the onrushing keeper Marko Marosi.
But the loose ball fell to Feeney, who showed impressive calmness to pick out Kaikai in the middle who had the simple task of slotting home.
Pool’s delirium was short-lived, however, as Coventry immediately pulled a goal back out of nowhere.
It followed a defensive mix-up between Ryan Edwards and Ollie Turton in the Pool area, which saw the ball fortunately ricochet straight to Matty Godden who volleyed past Jak Alnwick in the Pool goal.
Despite Coventry’s pressure, it looked as though Grayson’s men had done enough to hold out for the remainder of the first half.
But Pool’s good work was all undone in first-half stoppage time, when the Sky Blues levelled after the Seasiders had failed to clear their lines from a hopeful ball into their box.
The cross was played out to Wesley Jobello at the back post who slammed home the equaliser high into the roof of the Blackpool net.
It was a big kick in the gut for the Seasiders who had looked such a threat in attack, yet were undone by a couple of basic defensive errors.
Despite being penned in their own half at the start of the second half, it was the Seasiders who produced the first opportunity.
The ball fell kindly for Husband on the left-hand side and the wing-back drilled a low shot across the face of goal and just wide.
Halfway through the second half, with the score still level, Grayson shuffled the pack with a double change - bringing Ben Heneghan and Nathan Delfouneso on in place of Turton and Gnanduillet.
Coventry defender Michael Rose wasted a golden opportunity to give the home side the lead for the first time, heading over the bar after being left unmarked from a corner.
Pool, meanwhile, threatened from another Feeney cross from the right, which Nuttall bizarrely opted to dummy for Kaikai who was crowded out at the back post.
The Seasiders were forced to play the final five minutes with 10 men after Delfouneso, who had just returned from an injury lay-off, suffered a recurrence of his hamstring complaint.
The one-man advantage paid its toll in the first minute of stoppage time, as the Seasiders suffered a cruel late blow.
Sub Callum O’Hare was the man to notch the all-important goal, creeping into the Blackpool box before finding the far corner of the net.
With Pool throwing men forward in the dying stages, Coventry almost added a fourth but Alnwick came rushing out of goal to deny Gervane Kastaneer.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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Coventry Post Match on 17:59 - Sep 7 with 679 views
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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Coventry Post Match on 18:27 - Sep 7 with 676 views
There’s always an opportunity to learn in games like this, often things we didn’t know we needed to learn so let’s hope we take some lessons away with us.
Onwards and upwards.
when the monkey is high you do not stare you do not stare 🥴
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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Coventry Post Match on 18:43 - Sep 7 with 670 views
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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Coventry Post Match on 04:21 - Sep 8 with 657 views
Coventry City 3-2 Blackpool Player Ratings: subs shine
Callum O’Hare became Coventry City’s hero on Saturday afternoon, coming off the bench to bag the winner to maintain the Sky Blues’ 100% winning record at St Andrews, whilst condemning Blackpool to a first league defeat of the campaign. Here’s our Player Ratings from the game.
Coventry City
Marko Marosi — the former Doncaster goalkeeper was not notably at fault for either goal; he was unlucky that the outfielders looked disorganized at those moments. While Marosi’s distribution looked risky at times, it was key to the way Coventry built their play from the back and ultimately tired Blackpool out. 6
Fankaty Dabo — the right-back had a difficult game last week at Oxford, where he had a hand in one goal but also scored two own goals — but the fact he started again here shows that manager Mark Robins has belief in him and that seemed to help his confidence. Dabo’s marking was suspect for the opener, but he made some good runs in from the right channel and was involved in the build-up to the winner. Perhaps, to get as good a right-back as Dabo is going forward at this level, one must make some allowances for the odd defensive lapse? 7
Kyle McFadzean — the centre-back, who missed the last home game through a knock, did reasonably well on his return to the side after a mixed start to the season. McFadzean played a nice diagonal to Godden for Coventry’s first goal and, in the first half, he made one or two driving runs between Nuttall and Gnanduillet to get things going. 6
Michael Rose — the centre-back’s quality of passing so far this season has not been quite at the level that was perhaps reported from Scotland when he initially signed from Coventry. The team looked short of an experienced leader at the back, too, although that is perhaps a collective issue rather than necessarily something to blame Rose for. 5
Sam McCallum — the 19-year-old was forced to start at right-back in the last home game, when Dabo was sidelined and has done enough to maintain his place in the XI in his more natural position of left-back. Fared ok and put in the cross that led to Coventry’s second goal, although he also looked a touch nervy early on — Brandon Mason may be at a more advanced stage of development. 5
Liam Walsh — the Bristol City loanee made his debut by replacing the injured Liam Kelly in the starting line-up — and we saw both cons and pros of that switch. In the first half, Coventry missed Kelly’s tenacity and leadership — Walsh was unable to block Nuttall’s route to pockets of space in front of the defence in the lead-up to Pool’s second goal. In fairness to Walsh, though, he probably has more about him than Kelly from a technical perspective and when the visitors were not challenging him so much, he had the space to dictate play with real class. 7
Zain Westbrooke — the young midfielder showed some positive attributes; he at times dropped deep to start attacks, but then he also made intelligently-timed forward runs and linked play very nicely — especially in the first half. After the interval, Coventry needed a midfielder making slightly braver runs that Westbrooke was into the final third and from that perspective, taking him off with just over a quarter-hour to play was the right decision from Mark Robins. 6
Jordan Shipley — with Tom Bayliss now at Preston, Shipley seems to have gone from being a diligent wide midfielder who tucks in to provide balance, to somebody relishing that extra freedom to break into the central pockets before anyone else. The Irishman did a job when Bayliss was around, but on today’s evidence, he is reaching a new level of performance — not only is he showing a willingness to embrace the combative side of the game, but he is also linking play well. Set pieces were hit and miss, though. 7
Wesley Jobello — Mark’s Martinican maestro made key contributions when involved in general play; powerful, direct runs down the right-flank, pin-point crosses and even an aerial threat that made him a key out-ball — Jobello more than deserved his goal just before half-time. Much like the previous home game against Gillingham, Jobello drifted out of the contest slightly towards the end and perhaps, he might have chipped in more defensively in the lead-up to Pool’s opener — then again, if he was always switched on and had a higher rate of involvement, he’d be playing at a higher level. 7
Matt Godden — considering the turbulent summer that Godden has had for various reasons, he can be pleased with his early-season performances for Coventry and certainly his display here. The former Peterborough striker ran the channels selflessly, grafted hard and linked play with Hiwula effectively, whilst always looking to pose an aerial threat when crosses and diagonal balls came in so deserved his goal. Tired slightly towards the end. 7
Jordy Hiwula — the wide forwards direct running, his determination to get right-footed shots away, made him a real threat. The Manchester City academy graduate has lacked awareness in previous games but this individual display represented an improvement in that regard; Hiwula showed the composure to lay off for Jobello for the equalizer and then tee up O’Hare for the winner. If he can maintain this new intelligent dimension to his game, he has a chance of pushing on towards a Championship career. 8
Callum O’Hare (on 73) — the attacking midfielder has looked bright so far for Coventry, both from the bench and in his EFL Trophy start in midweek — so it was no surprise that he had a huge impact on the game once again. O’Hare made braver runs, deeper into the final third than the man he replaced and, at a time where the team’s play was in some danger of going slightly stale, he injected fresh energy. Took his goal very well and could be a real asset this year. 9
Gervane Kastaneer (on 90) — the exciting wide forward was only on the pitch for injury-time and yet, he managed to almost cram what we might expect from a 90-minute performance into that tiny timeframe — just because of his raw pace, power and determination to influence the game wherever possible and he looks a real asset on the counter-attack. The key thing for Mark Robins will be to use him wisely and at times sparingly, so as not to quell the frenetic aspect of his performances that clearly makes him what he is. 8
Dominic Hyam (on 90)- the centre-back was arguably unlucky to lose his place to McFadzean, after a good performance in the previous home game. Should McFadzean or Rose become unavailable, Hyam looks ready to pounce. 6
Blackpool
Jak Alnwick — it seems harsh to blame Alnwick too much, because he made six saves here and was beaten by three close-range finishes — and yet, in the case of Coventry’s first goal and to a lesser extent the other two, he was beaten in an area of the goal that he might feel he could have reached. Often went long from goal-kicks, without the team necessarily having a centre-forward who relishes competing aerially for high balls from deep. 5
Oliver Turton — the utility man played at right-back in a 4-2-2-2, although sometimes moved closer to a right-sided centre-back role when the formation switched to a 3-4-1-2. Lacked the defensive presence to convince as a centre-back and did not offer much going forward as a right-back, so it was difficult to pin-point precisely which qualities he brought to Blackpool’s performance. 4
Ryan Edwards — the centre-back did not dominate in the air as much as a centre-back, especially one in a Simon Grayson team, really needs to — Edwards often was not on the same wavelength as Tilt. The ex-Argyle man’s place could come under threat for next week’s hosting of MK Dons — Heneghan looks the favourable option. 4
Curtis Tilt — the ex-Wrexham centre-back made a slight error for Coventry’s second goal, when he missed his bold, attempted header from McCallum’s cross — him being out of position had a knock-on affect. If Tilt was at times rash here, though, it might have stemmed from frustration at either a lack of bravery from a fellow centre-back or perhaps the midfield dropping off too much. Maybe Blackpool needed Tilt to be more restrained, or maybe they needed more players as aggressive as he was — either way, the 28-year-old was not quite defending on the same wavelengths as his teammates and that looked like a problem. 5 James Husband — the left-back tried his best going forward and made some intelligent overlapping runs, without really providing the athleticism to make a meaningful contribution. Held his position as best he could but sometimes struggled to cope with the direct running of Jobello. 5
Callum Guy — the midfielder is tidy in possession — he linked play quite nicely on one or two occasions — and has a reasonable work ethic. However, when playing as part of a double-pivot, especially in the defensive phase, one needs more than work ethic — one needs strength and aggression, neither of which seemed to come naturally to Guy, who might prefer being part of a three-man midfield. This is a tactical problem which might be relevant to the personnel available because Matty Virtue-Thick, the midfielder on the bench, would have probably have experienced the same problems. 4
Jay Spearing — the one-time Liverpool youngster was by far Blackpool’s most influential player last season and remains that this term; his leadership and tenacity helps him exert his authority at times — even when there’s question marks over the wider setup — and Spearing used the ball well too, with some accurate passes out to Feeney in the early stages. Had Blackpool possessed a clone of Jay Spearing in midfield next to the real one, they might have had more joy. 7
Liam Feeney — at Championship level, Feeney has previously been seen as a one-dimensional, classic right-winger with few qualities beyond direct running. Relative to League One, he has perhaps a touch more quality about him and was a valuable outlet here, especially in the first half. Feeney produced an accurate cross from the right for Kaikai’s opener, then teed up the same player for the second — although he did wane in influence thereon. 6
Sullay Kaikai — at Southend, the attacking midfielder was the one dribbling between lines and creating for the forwards but here, he was the one putting the finishing touches to the attacking moves — that was how the ex-Cambridge man bagged a first half brace. Kaikai showed great awareness to clip a right-footed volley inside the far post just 57 seconds in, before tapping home a simple second from close-range. 7
Joe Nuttall — the energetic forward looked lively in the first half and seemed to be the one carrying Blackpool’s counter-attacks; he went dragged one shot just wide of the near-post from a first half breakaway, then did most of the leg work in the led-up to Kaikai’s second when he managed to get in behind Walsh. Seemed to carry a threat and pressed when given the encouragment to do so — although he did give the ball away a few times, too. 6
Armand Gnanduillet — the striker had scored five goals in the first seven games this season — and the key reason for that had been the team’s ability to put accurate crosses into him at the back-post from high up the pitch. For much of this game the midfield was a long way apart from Gnanduillet, so while the ex-Chesterfield man did well to keep the ball in play and drag back for the second, he was largely a peripheral figure. 5
Ben Heneghan (on 67) — Pool fans were delighted when Heneghan re-joined, after a loan spell from Sheffield United last season and it was surprising that he was on the bench here, because when he came on he helped stabilize matters for the Seasiders with his assurance and knowhow. 6
Nathan Delfouneso (on 67) — like Heneghan, Delfouneso helped stabilize things briefly -the energetic, versatile forward offered more mobility in central, forward areas than Gnanduillet and — temporarily at least — that aided Blackpool’s pressing. 6
Ryan Hardie (on 80) — the Rangers loanee got a positive reception from the Blackpool fans, but was unable to repay their affection in his short time on the field — because the team was coming under increasing Coventry pressure. 5
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
Coventry City 3-2 Blackpool Six Things: O’Hare strikes late to keep Sky Blues sky high
Here’s our Six Things from the game.
Kaikai’s first half double
Simon Grayson’s side pressed at a very high intensity in the first two minutes, with Sulley Kaikai and Joe Nuttall supporting the gangly Armand Gnanduillet; Jay Spearing stepped quickly onto second balls in midfield while Liam Feeney attacked the right flank with quality and intent. Pool got their opener inside the first 57 seconds, when Feeney’s right-sided cross found Kaikai, whose exquisite volley looped inside the far post. Coventry grew into the game from that point Grayson’s side began to manage the game by dropping deep at a very early stage, so it came as a surprise when the visitors — having been under pressure — got their second goal on 38 minutes. The lively Joe Nuttall led a counter-attack and fed Gnanduillet who, narrowly managing to keep the ball in play, dragged back for Feeney, whose first-time square was turned home by Kaikai.
Coventry’s prompt fightback
In defensive terms, Coventry missed the leadership and tenacity of the injured Liam Kelly, who might have provided better cover than debutant Liam Walsh in the case of the two goals conceded. The Bristol City loanee, though is perhaps a more accomplished technician and that showed when Blackpool dropped their line of engagement, allowing Walsh to dictate play as Zain Westbrooke and Jordan Shipley started to influence play between the lines. It certainly did not feel as though Coventry were out of the game and sure enough, they replied promptly. Kyle McFadzean’s impressive diagonal found Matt Godden who, helped by a slight ricochet off Ryan Edwards, found himself one-on-one and tucked the ball inside the near-post. After some good play down the left followed by a cross from Sam McCallum, the aggressive Curtis Tilt missed his header, leaving Jordy Hiwula unchallenged to tee up the impressive Wesley Jobello, who rifled home as Cov drew level just seven minutes after falling two down.
The second half lull
Coventry were always the side that showed the greater intent to push for three points, rather than one, but there was a stage from midway through the second half at which it looked like they might be held at bay. Grayson introduced Ben Heneghan and Nathan Delfouneso which, with the former’s cool head and the latter’s willingness to support the press centrally, appeared to stabilize matters for the away side. The hosts remained in control of the ball, but they were hitting something of a mental block in the final third and, one wondered, whether the game might descend into a stalemate. The finale, though, would prove that to be very far from the truth.
Subs the key
Callum O’Hare, who replaced Zain Westbrooke, made a positive impact from the bench. Westbrooke had enjoyed a reasonable afternoon but his movement into the final third had been relatively conservative and, with signs of striker Godden perhaps beginning to tire, it was clear that Cov needed fresh energy — somebody making brave runs to stretch the opposition. In the first minute of additional time, inspired by the late addition of Gervane Kastaneer, O’Hare made the most of Fankaty Dabo and Hiwula’s link-up play, tucking home a left-footed strike inside the far post to send Coventry fans home ecstatic.
First defeat for Pool
Despite their first loss of the season, it has still been a strong start for Blackpool, who are well on course to improve on their 2018-19 campaign. The task for the Tangerines, in order to maintain their positive Autumn form, will be to use the ball with more accuracy at times. Their current game plan leads to good starts to their games, with 10 first half goals already this season, but here they dropped the intensity of their pressing too early and that, combined with poor retention, gave their opponents an opportunity to grow into the game and that is an area in which Simon Grayson will see room for improvement.
Coventry’s home from home
O’Hare’s late goal means that, not only have Coventry won each of their ‘home’ league games so far this season, they have come from behind to win a game for the first time in Robins’ second stint as manager. In that sense, this victory is testament to the spirit in the group this term, which seems even more impressive bearing in mind the circumstances. The reality of playing in Birmingham, rather than their home city, was meant to be a hugely destabilizing factor — something that would dampen the mood and thus feed onto the field. Whilst circumstances for fans are not ideal, the Sky Blues remain unbeaten with an exciting, vibrant team — and the stiff competition for places in midfield looks a real positive. Although St Andrews is only a temporary home, this season represents a travel adventure, rather than a cause for homesickness.
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
Coventry 3-2 Blackpool: Sky Blues comeback stuns Tangerines
Coventry secured all three points after coming back from a two-goal deficit to secure a thrilling 3-2 win over Blackpool.
Blackpool took the lead after just 57 seconds when Liam Feeney's floated cross found Sullay Kaikai at the back post, his side footed volley looped over Marko Marosi and into the net.
Kaikai grabbed his second after 38 minutes, James Husband teeing up Kaikai in the box, who struck the ball into the net.
Coventry were back in the game after 41 minutes when Fankaty Dabo's deep cross from the right found Matty Godden at the back post, the striker finishing first time past Jak Alnwick.
Wesley Jobello then made it 2-2 in first-half stoppage-time. The ball fell kindly in the box to Jordy Hiwula, who laid it off for Jobello and his powerful effort beat Alnwick and found the roof of the net.
Coventry then found a winner in time added on. Aston Villa loanee Callum O'Hare was fed through by Hiwula, and the midfielder smashed the ball past Alnwick.
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
An honest Simon Grayson said his Blackpool side showed a "lack of professionalism" as Coventry City came from two goals behind to inflict the Seasiders' first defeat of the season.
Pool produced a strong showing in the opening half but somehow found themselves going into the break on level terms.
Sullay Kaikai had struck twice to open a two-goal lead for the Seasiders, only for Coventry to be gifted a route back into the game with two quickfire responses.
Matty Godden capitalised on a defensive mix-up to reduce the arrears before Wesley Jobello equaliserd right on the stroke of half-time.
Coventry were the dominant side in the second half but left it late to grab the win, substitute Callum O'Hate netting the winner in stoppage time.
It came as Pool finished the game with 10 men after Nathan Delfouneso hobbled off injured, Grayson having already made all three changes.
But Grayson believes it was that crazy spell just before the half-time break that swung the game in Coventry's favour.
“The game turned on the final five minutes of the first half," the Pool boss said.
“We were in a strong position after getting the two-goal advantage and we were looking really secure defensively and really good going forward.
“But through a lack of professionalism to a certain degree, a lack of a reaction and a lack of doing the basics has cost us the game.
“We’re 2-0 up in a strong position but I wouldn’t have minded had Coventry played through us and got some some real good goals.
“But it’s three balls into the box which we should have dealt with, especially the first two anyway.
“There’s 6ft 3ins lads in there but we didn’t win the first ball and then we didn’t react to the second one dropping.
“It gave them a lifeline before half-time and we’re hugely disappointed to lose the game at the death.”
When asked to put his finger on why those defensive mishaps were allowed to happen, Grayson added: “There were a few factors.
“You’ve got to make sure your shape is right and you’ve also got to make sure your concentration levels are really high.
“Especially just before half time, because we didn’t have to go looking for the third goal.
“We were playing with a back three but really we should have had five there, been solid and got into half time at 2-0.
“We did it at Southend a few weeks ago where we got two goals in front and then stayed nice and solid at the back. They came looking for a goal back and we picked them off.
“Today we went looking for the third one rather than being compact and using our shape. That’s something for us to learn from.”
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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Coventry Post Match on 10:21 - Sep 8 with 640 views
Mark Robins spoke of his delight after his Coventry City side secured a dramatic late win against Blackpool.
A stoppage-time goal from Callum O'Hare earned all three points for the home side, who had earlier recovered from two goals down.
Sullay Kaikai had deservedly put the Seasiders in front with a first-half brace, only for Matty Godden and Wesley Jobello to draw Coventry level.
But Coventry snatched it at the death to take them up to second in the League One table, thanks to a result that delighted manager Mark Robins.
He told the Coventry Telegraph: “It was a strange game in fairness because they scored with a freak goal in the first minute and we just looked a bit, I wouldn’t say nervy, but we just looked a little bit reluctant to pass the ball.
“We obviously had a new starter in there with Liam Walsh and that just changed the dynamic of it, but I think the second goal that they scored came on the back of some decent play from us without really getting it going.
“I am happy to come back from two goals down given the manner in which the game started, which was outstanding, first and foremost, because to do that showed great character.
“And the belief we got from coming in at 2-2 at half-time just changed the whole dynamic. We spoke at half-time about being on the front foot mentally and playing the way we know we can do, and having that belief in themselves.
“And they came out and they were outstanding, absolutely outstanding, from the first whistle in the second half to the last.
“Even though they went down to ten men when we scored the third goal we were building pressure before that, and the way we played and were trying to get in was really, really good.
“Callum O’Hare got his goal, which was great to see go in, and Gervane Kastaneer had a couple of chances after that to seal it but I think that would have been really harsh on Blackpool who are a really good side.
“They are a physically tough side so I am pleased we have come through it. But, not only that, the manner of the performance in the second half is something we can be really proud of and build on.”
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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Coventry Post Match on 10:26 - Sep 8 with 636 views
'There's no need to panic': Matt Scrafton's verdict on Blackpool's dramatic late defeat to Coventry City
It was always just a matter of time until Blackpool lost their unbeaten record, but it doesn’t make it any less painful when that first defeat arrives.
That’s especially the case when the winning goal comes in stoppage time, like a dagger to the heart of the Blackpool players.
It could have all been so different, too. Everything was going so swimmingly when Sullay Kaikai got in amongst the goals again to hand the Seasides a deserved two-goal lead.
But a crazy four-minute spell at the end of the first half, and another late showing in the second, meant Simon Grayson’s men tasted defeat for the first time this season.
It was an odd game. It’s important I make it clear from the outset, to avoid causing any offence, that Coventry were the better side and deserved to win.
But, for all their impressive passing and movement, did they create many — if any — genuine chances off their own back?
Not really, I would argue — other than a 93rd-minute attempt to add a fourth when Blackpool were throwing men forward in a desperate attempt to salvage a draw.
All three of their goals involved poor defending from Pool, who only have themselves to blame. Grayson is right to say his team were never carved open at any point.
That’s not to take anything away from Coventry, who are clearly a young, energetic and promising third-tier side who will be up and around the top echelons of the division come the end of the season. If Blackpool finish above them, they’ll have done well.
We might only be seven games in but it’s already clear, bar a drastic change in fortunes, Saturday’s entertaining contest was one between two of the league’s better sides.
Of course it’s always frustrating to lose at any stage of the season, but there’s been a bit of an overreaction to the first defeat of Grayson’s second reign as boss.
If Pool coming four minutes away from earning a creditable draw away at unbeaten Coventry is the end of the world, then things really aren’t that bad.
The key moment in the game came in the 41st-minute, at a time when the Seasiders were alreading leading 2-0 thanks to Kaikai’s brace — the first of which, coming after just 50 seconds, needs to be seen to be believed.
Instead of sitting back on their lead and picking the Sky Blues off on the break, Pool went in search of a third goal to kill the game off.
That tactic is either brave or stupid. If you get that third goal you look like geniuses, if it goes the other way you’re left with egg on your faces. That’s exactly what happened.
Coventry played a fairly routine ball towards the back stick where Matty Godden was being patrolled by both Ryan Edwards and Ollie Turton. Everything seemed fine.
But the two got in each other’s way, with the ball ricocheting straight to Godden who volleyed past the unfortunate Jak Alnwick, who up to that point had been given nothing to do. It was an early Christmas present for the striker who surely couldn’t have believed his luck.
We all know goals change games and so it proved again. The wind was in Coventry’s tails and it took them just four minutes to drag themselves back level having, just moments earlier, looked dead and buried.
Once again it was a case of Blackpool failing to do the basics in their own box. A cross came in from the left, they failed to deal with it and Wesley Jobello was left in far too much space at the back post to slam a shot high into the roof of Alnwick’s net.
Again, there was nothing the goalkeeper could have done. It was those in front of him who had let him down.
Edwards, speaking post-match, admitted that equaliser in first-half stoppage time “killed” the Pool players. You could tell.
Coventry dominated the second half while Blackpool just weren’t capable of keeping the ball.
It has to be said though, while Coventry were in the ascendancy for the entire half, they still struggled to create any presentable opportunities of note.
The only one that comes to mind was a free header for Michael Rose, the defender heading wastefully over the bar with 20 minutes remaining.
But with the possession and territory they were enjoying, it was only a matter of time until a chance did come their way and so it proved.
Blackpool’s miserable day at the office was summed up with the final exchanges of the game, which started with them being reduced to 10 men.
No, not because of a red card, but because Nathan Delfouneso — on his return from an injury lay-off — had to hobble off the pitch after sustaining a recurrence of his hamstring complaint.
With all three substitutes already being used at that point, Pool had to desperately attempt to hold despite being a man down.
But, predictably, as the clock ticked into the first minute of stoppage time, they were undone right at the death.
It was one of Coventry’s own subs, Callum O’Hare, who was their match winner, capitalising on another fortunate deflection that fell right into his path.
To his credit, he stuck it away well with Jay Spearing breathing right down his neck, but the ball nestled in the far corner of the net leaving Pool players crumpled on the turf.
It left the Seasiders empty-handed for the first time this season and you could see how much it hurt the players at the full time, the pain etched across their faces.
But let’s not panic, eh? This is just one setback in what has been a hugely promising start to the season.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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Coventry Post Match on 21:38 - Sep 8 with 628 views
3 THINGS WE LEARNT ABOUT BLACKPOOL AS LATE GOAL CONDEMNS THEM TO FIRST DEFEAT
Blackpool suffered their first loss of the League One season yesterday in dramatic fashion to Coventry City.
Simon Grayson’s side threw away a two-goal lead and left St. Andrew’s with nothing after Callum O’Hare’s goal in stoppage time.
Things had started so well for the Seasiders, with two Sullay Kaikai goals putting them in a commanding position.
However, a disastrous five minute spell before the break changed the game, with strikes from Matty Godden and Wes Jobello meaning the Sky Blues somehow went in level.
With the momentum firmly with them, Coventry began to dominate possession but they didn’t make the telling contribution until the 91st minute, with O’Hare’s left footed effort deciding the game.
It was a very frustrating end for Blackpool and here we look at THREE things we learnt from their defeat…
The front four have real quality
It wasn’t all negative for the Tangerines, in fact for the first 40 minutes it was a near perfect away performance and the four attacking players were crucial to that.
Liam Feeney was a regular threat down the right-flank and he importantly produced quality on a consistent basis which saw him pick up two assists. Meanwhile, Kaikai, who started from the left, weighed in with two goals and was a constant threat.
Up top, Joe Nuttall and Armand Gnanduillet showed signs that they could develop into a great partnership as they boast pace, power and they linked up technically well.
If these four stay fit, Blackpool shouldn’t have many problems scoring goals.
Complacency crept in
Grayson was understandably furious in the way his side lost this game and he slammed them for being unprofessional after they let Coventry back into the game before half-time.
And, you have to agree with him. Even though the hosts were playing some nice football, they barely created a chance of note until the goal.
That came out of nowhere and Jobello’s equaliser meant Blackpool went in level at the break in a game they had controlled, which just isn’t good enough.
They need to keep the ball better
Despite that, they were still level going into the second half so there was no need to panic.
Yet, they allowed Coventry to dominate as the game progressed. The visitors were not as aggressive in the way they pressed and they failed to keep the ball and whilst the Sky Blues struggled to create too many clear openings, there was only going to be one winner.
Whether it was a tactical tweak or a change in personnel, something needed to happen to give Blackpool more of a foothold as they let the pressure build through poor ball retention. Experienced skipper Jay Spearing, who was strong in the first half, perhaps should have done more to ensure his side didn’t lose their grip on the clash.
I am a nutter. I come from the sea.
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Coventry Post Match (n/t) on 21:46 - Sep 8 with 626 views
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