“I’m so happy for everybody”: Ilmari Niskanen inspired Blackpool to victory on his first league start
Blackpool wing-back produced a man-of-the-match display in their midweek victory.
Ilmari Niskanen was pleased to have played his part after a starring role in Blackpool’s victory over MK Dons on Tuesday.
The Finnish wing-back put in a man-of-the-match performance during the Seasiders’ 2-0 win at Bloomfield Road.
Niskanen’s first League One start for the club had been a long time coming after a dislocated shoulder on his debut in August’s Carabao Cup win at Grimsby Town.
He marked the occasion by providing a constant attacking option down the left-hand side, linking up well with Leighton Clarkson following his half-time arrival off the bench.
While happy his performance had been recognised, the 28-year-old took more satisfaction from helping Blackpool earn three points.
He said: “It’s been a difficult, disappointing few weeks; results haven’t been going our way.
“The last two games before tonight (Cambridge United and Leyton Orient), we played OK but we couldn’t get the result.
“We were desperate for a win and I’m so happy for everybody; the players, the staff and the supporters, most importantly.
“I’m delighted to get my first league start, hopefully there’s more to come.”
Niskanen replacing Finley Munroe was the only change to Blackpool’s starting line-up from last weekend’s defeat at Leyton Orient.
He came close to marking his selection with a first-half goal, getting on the end of an Albie Morgan cross and seeing a header saved.
Karoy Anderson and another substitute, Dale Taylor, got the goals in the end but as Niskanen admitted afterwards, his near miss was a training ground move which almost paid off.
He said: “It was a brilliant ball from Albie, it was something we had worked on and we knew there was going to be space in the area.
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“I haven’t scored a header in my career so it would have been a first!
“I had some feeling (he would be chosen) but I prepare every single game in the same way.
“It doesn’t matter if I start or come off the bench, you might get an injury first minute and you need to be ready.
“We have such strong competition in this group. Today showed how important the bench is with Dale coming on and getting the important goal for us.”