Aimson: Defensive toughness is huge for Blackpool

Stubborn defending has been a key factor as Neil McDonald’s side climbed five points clear of the League One relegation zone thanks to a four-match unbeaten run.

Pool have kept clean sheets in three of those four and defender Aimson says that has been vitally important.

“It’s huge that we are keeping clean sheets now,” said the 21-year-old. “When you’re a defender and you keep a clean sheet, then it’s job done really.

“It means you’ve done your job well and it’s over to the lads at the other end of the pitch to win the game.”

Since conceding four at Barnsley in their final match of 2015, Pool have conceded just three goals in six League One games.

The last five of those matches have seen Aimson partner Tom Aldred at the heart of Pool’s defence, following injury to Clark Robertson.

The sight of Aimson in the back four could become very familiar for Pool supporters after he moved from Hull to Bloomfield Road on a two-and-a-half year deal last month.

He had previously been on loan at Pool and before that had been playing for the Tigers’ reserves, and he’s delighted to finally settle.

“When you are playing U21s football and going out on loan all the time it’s tough,” he said.

“So I’m absolutely delighted to have signed for the long-term. It allows me to concentrate on Blackpool and the future here.”

Aimson played the full 90 minutes of Saturday’s win over Gillingham and will again partner Aldred at Oldham this weekend.

And after the high-flying Gills didn’t manage a single shot on target at Bloomfield Road, Aimson was over the moon.

“It was a massive win for us,” he said. “Gillingham are a decent side, who have been floating around the top of the table.

“We knew we could exploit them at the other end of the pitch and I think we did that. It was a great boost for us to come away with three points.

“At one point we were struggling to see because of the hail but we got through it. Those conditions can throw you, especially at the back.

“The work ethic is something we are trying to enforce at the moment.

“We start quickly and at a good tempo. It’s about getting at teams and shocking them. I think we are doing that well.”