Frustrated Blackpool boss settles for point

Neil McDonald revealed Blackpool were left frustrated after surrendering the lead and having to settle for a point against Bury.
Neil McDonaldNeil McDonald
Neil McDonald

The Seasiders found themselves ahead in yet another huge relegation clash at Bloomfield Road yesterday thanks to Danny Philliskirk’s penalty 17 minutes from time.

But Danny Mayor equalised moments later, leaving Pool still hovering just above the bottom four.

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While the gap has now increased to two points, Oldham below them have three games in hand, the first this afternoon against Burton.

And for McDonald it was a chance missed for his side.

“It was another frustrating afternoon but we came away with a point,” he said.

“We didn’t play very well in the first half, but I think we did much better after the break and came away with a point.

“It was frustrating, yes, but it’s a point gained. Every point we get now has to be seen as a point gained.”

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Sections of the Bloomfield Road support booed at half-time, after 45 goalless minutes of very little action.

It was a half McDonald himself admitted wasn’t good enough, but he was delighted with the response after the break. He said: “I thought the first half was poor, but the second half display was enough for us to deserve a win I think.”

Blackpool travel to Doncaster on Monday in another huge game, with Rovers now two points behind the Seasiders after a 4-1 hammering by Colchester, who climbed off the bottom.

Yesterday’s point was the fourth earned by McDonald’s side in a week, something which he’s more than happy with.

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“It’s a point which moves us one point further away from the teams below us in the league,” he said.

“Every point will be massive now at the bottom of the table.

“We now have four points out of six which I’m pleased with.”

While Bury enjoyed more possession and more chances than their hosts, McDonald felt Pool were more than worthy winners of the game.

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He was less than impressed with a couple of factors beyond his control – the Bloomfield Road pitch and Simon Hooper’s refereeing.

McDonald said: “The state of the pitch didn’t help us. It was a little dry.

“There were also a couple of shouts for a penalty but we didn’t seem to get much from the referee. He seemed to be pointing in the Bury direction all afternoon.”

Bury welcomed the point after four successive away defeats in which they had conceded 15 goals.

Shakers boss David Flitcroft said: “Blackpool make it difficult for you on what is a really difficult pitch.”

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