Blackpool 3-1 Portsmouth: Three things we learned

Blackpool FC writer Matt Scrafton takes a look at the Seasiders' impressive 3-1 win against Portsmouth.
Jack Payne closes down Gary RobertsJack Payne closes down Gary Roberts
Jack Payne closes down Gary Roberts

Pressing was key

Coming up against a side as good as Portsmouth, you've got to find a way of stopping them from playing. And last night, Blackpool's pressing and counter-attacks proved very successful. Jack Payne and Jim McAlister were relentless in their pressure in midfield why Armand Gnanduillet and Kyle Vassell put constant pressure on the defenders, as the visitors looked to play their way out from the back.

At times it was a joy to watch and two of Pool's three goals came directly from pressing high up the pitch. Pompey were left shell-shocked and it went a long way to the Tangerines' priceless three points.

Pool were clinical

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For the first time since Yeovil, Gary Bowyer's men took their chances when they came and boy what a difference it made. They didn't create anywhere near as many chances as they did against Crewe or Carlisle, yet they came away with three good goals.

It just goes to show the goals are there in this side. The goals on Tuesday night also came at good times - with Potts scoring just after half time to hand Blackpool a 2-1 lead proving to be key. The third then came on the break when Portsmouth were pushing to get back into the game.

Pompey are a very good side

On the face of it, Pompey losing 3-1 to a side that were coming into the game 16th in the league doesn't look great. But Blackpool are far better than their league positions suggests and Portsmouth are far better than last night's results suggests too.

Their ability to pass the ball was plain to see. They dominated the opening 15 minutes of the match as Blackpool struggled to get out of their own half. It wasn't just passing for passing's sake, either. They played out from the back and cut through Blackpool's defence with ease in the early stages. But Blackpool did a job on Paul Cook's side. Sort out their iffy away form and Portsmouth will certainly be competing for the promotion spots come the end of the season.