Blackpool boss predicts Fonz feast

Delfouneso scored Blackpool’s first goal in their 2-1 win at Rochdale, Kelvin Mellor getting the second as the Seasiders won for the first time in nine attempts to steer them away from the League One relegation zone.

It was a superbly taken goal as Delfouneso showed impressive composure to take the ball past a defender as well as the goalkeeper with the goal at his mercy, eventually slotting home with ease.

It was only the 26-year-old’s second goal of the season and his first in 20 matches.

“The first goal is a fantastic goal,” his manager Bowyer said.

“Nathan showed great composure – not once, not twice but three times.

“It’s been a long time coming for him and he’ll kick on now, he really will.

“It’s been a burden on him a bit but Nathan has gone and shown what he’s capable of.

“It has been tough for him and we’ve had loads of chats with him to try to keep his spirits up.

“We put a lot on him, a lot of demands on him, and that goal has been playing on his mind, so now he’s got it we’re delighted for him.”

Neither keeper was seriously tested in what was a timid first half at Spotland, ruined by torrential ruin.

But the Seasiders came out firing at the second half and sealed the points with two quickfire goals.

However, Dale did threaten a late comeback when Mark Kitching netted in injury time.

But Pool held on and Bowyer was delighted.

The Pool boss added: “You have to give the opposition credit because this isn’t an easy place to come at the best of times, but in the conditions both teams had to contend with it was always going to be a tight one. That proved to be the case.

“First half was really a non-event as both sides attempted to adapt to the conditions, but credit to our boys because they hung in there and stuck at it.

“Rochdale had an extra day’s rest and on a heavy pitch like that, when we’ve played two games in the space of three days, I’ve nothing but enormous praise for them.

“After Nathan’s opener, we manage to get the second goal thanks to a brilliant ball in from Jay (Spearing) and the header from Kelvin.

“We need to manage the game at that point but you know you’re going to get chances on the counter. That happened, especially the one for Viv (Solomon-Otabor) who should just run straight into the penalty box but instead he tries to complicate it.

“As a result, Rochdale are still in it and you know they’re not going to stop - that proved to be the case.”