The positives: First away point of the season, another clean sheet and we're a point clear of the bottom. The negatives: Another game where we've not put the ball in the back of the net and we're still not bottom. Whilst the result is a boost, there has to be serious questions asked about out inability to score. Had we have just scored one goal in each of the last 7 games we'd now be on 7 points.

Just three goals all season in the reason that Blackpool find themselves in 23rd place in the Championship and that is becoming increasingly frustrating. Only Forest on the opening day have beaten us by more than one goal and in the last three games we have only conceded once (a penalty) against three very good sides. Today's stats reveal again the reason for that failure in front of goal. Just two shots on target in 90 minutes. Indeed the stats reflect what a good job the Seasiders defence did again at the Amex despite losing Peter Clarke through illness. The home side had 61% possession, had 25 shots at the Blackpool goal and enjoyed 15 corners to the Seasiders two. Their fans must be wondering how they have only come away from that with a point.

With Clarke missing through illness, Jeffrey Rentmeister came in to the squad which only contained 6 substitutions - Clarke did travel but no signs of McKenzie, Grant or Barkhuizen - if Riga doesn't fancy them, get them off the wage bill as soon as possible and let's get some new blood in. Delfouenso started with Miller - who has arguably been the tangerines most disappointing summer acquisition - whilst Zenjov came on at the break for Cykwa and in fairness to Riga he ended with an attack minded side with Ranger and Zoko replacing Lundstram and Oriol. The boss knows he needs points on the board sooner or later and you can tell he's doing all he can to get them.

Much of today's point can be put down to the excellent Joe Lewis in goal who pulled off a number of fine saves in front of a Blackpool defence who at times rode their luck both in terms of possession and conceding set pieces. Holla, Colunga and Dunk all tested the Seasiders resolve which was especially impressive in the six minutes of stoppage time having lost Jeffrey Rentmeister with an ankle injury.

So we've doubled our points, reduced the deficit to safety to 3 points and can return from Brighton with a sense of job done. However, the hard work starts now for Jose Riga as he will know that the week will be spent as much on the phone as on the training ground as he attempts to bring in some much needed quality ahead of Saturday's home game against Norwich. You just feel with those extra bodies and a win that we might finally be able to move on this season.

Photo: Action Images

WindyMiller added 17:54 - Sep 20 Couldn't get there today but have just spoken to a mate on the phone who said it was back to the wall stuff especially when they added on the 6 minutes. Said the keeper was exceptional and the who back four played well but said we lacked any sort of quality or movement in midfield and looked content to defend for much of the game. I suppose it's what you want at the moment away from home just to build confidence and get some points on the board.

2

Orioltwins added 18:13 - Sep 20 If this would have been the first game of the season I think many of us would have been jumping through hoops at this point but sadly where we are means we need a few wins under our belts for so many reasons. I think those who say we are a good performance away from a win are deluding themselves somewhat because this is a very average side that we have cobbled together and it will need that quality added to it before we will start to move up this table (and once they have a new manager in don't expect Fulham to remain below us for very long).

0

STHolder added 18:28 - Sep 20 I think what people forget here is that in the last three games we could have got absolutely hammered by three very good sides -3rd and 4th place team in the Championship and a side that is tough to beat at home. Yet we have come out of it with character and two points. Not huge in the grand scheme of things but we have a manager who is hopefully staying put and sorting out our weaknesses, players who are clearly playing for each other and the club and maybe for the first time since Ince left a feeling we might be actually on the up.

1

crewcut added 20:13 - Sep 20 Contrary to the poster who thinks Fulham won't stay below us for long well I think they will. They are shot and their years of comfy gliding in the Premier league are over. Welcome to the real world. League one beckons.
1

Ormerod89 added 20:16 - Sep 20 We defended well with both Oriol and Daniels putting in a good shift. We offered little upfront with only two shots on target, Miller didn't look interested and Ranger didn't add anything when he came on. It might have just been a bad day for him but Zenjov was particularly poor. I like Joe Lewis and I thought Perkins tried to make things happen.
0

brassedoff added 20:27 - Sep 20 Crewcut - difference is that they have McCormack to get them out of it ... we have Zoko!!
0

Blogs 31 bloggers

Portsmouth Polls