Blackpool 1-1 Cambridge: Five things we learned

A point might be useful, but it still isn't enough

Despite seeing his side earn a point courtesy of a last minute Andy Taylor free-kick, Gary Bowyer still wasn't satisfied and rightly so. Given their performance, Blackpool deserved more from the game but it's the same faults that are letting them down. Of course a point is better than none at all, but for the umpteenth time this season the Tangerines had more than enough chances to take all three. Pool had 16 attempts on goal compared to Cambridge's four and of course were left to rue Danny Philliskirk's missed penalty, which aptly brings me on to my next point...

Philliskirk is desperately out of form

The former Oldham man deserves credit for stepping up to take the penalty when his confidence would have already been low, but his spot-kick was poor. The 25-year-old has been out of sorts in recent weeks and has missed a number of clear cut chances. He's not been helped by being deployed in an unfamiliar right-wing position, but the chances that have fallen for him in recent weeks have been guilt-edged. It seems strange when he appeared to be the man most relied upon in front of goal last season, but it's just not going his way so far this campaign.

Question marks over Clark Robertson

Robertson seems like another one who hasn't appeared quite as solid as he has in the past. Normally a reliable presence in the centre of defence, the Scot has struggled for form this season and continued in the same vein against Cambridge. He may be forgiven on this occasion as he was returning from a spell out of the side, but his performances before weren't what we normally come to expect. Will Aimson was an able replacement in his absence and he could perhaps feel hard done by to lose his spot in the side.

Team spirit is there to see

In recent weeks the players have been taking part in a series of team bonding exercises. While it's impossible to know if they are having any tangible effect on the pitch, it's fair to say the manager is creating a strong team spirit. While that's not currently earning wins, it's clear to see there is a strong spirit and determination among this group of players who refused to give up against Carlisle when they found themselves 2-0 down and did the same against Cambridge on Saturday at 1-0. You also only need to look at the draw against Crewe, where they could have easily buckled and gone on to lose once the home side got back on level terms.

Bowyer is being hampered by injuries

Every club will have to deal with injuries at some point in a season, but not as often as Blackpool are during games. Dean Lyness was forced off with what appears to be quite a serious ankle injury which left him hospitalised, allowing youngster Myles Boney to make his league debut. Lyness himself was only in the team due to the absence of Sam Slocombe, who was forced off with a groin injury himself against Crewe. Those injuries would be bad enough, but the fact they're happening in a game means the manager is hampered in making his substitutions. Had Bowyer been allowed another change, Jamille Matt would have surely come on and added more height and strength to the forward line as Blackpool pushed on late in the game for an equaliser.