Blackpool boss so proud of players' reaction

Viv Solomon-Otabor can't believe he hasn't scored

The Seasiders followed up their first defeat in eight League One matches with a goalless draw against Rochdale at Bloomfield Road last night.

Bowyer’s players had the better of the chances that were created, with Dale keeper Josh Lillis doing well to thwart Sessi D’Almeida and Curtis Tilt heading over when well positioned.

At the other end, Rochdale put pressure on the home defence but failed to create much.

Oliver Rathbone, Ian Henderson and Joe Bunney all chanced their arm before Henderson forced Ryan Allsop into an acrobatic late stop.

Bowyer said: “I thought we were outstanding against a very good, very experienced and outstanding manager in Keith Hill.

“There were some harsh words on Monday – and Saturday – about the manner of the defeat at Bristol Rovers and I was really proud of the way they responded.

“Their keeper has made two very good saves in the first half and Curtis Tilt, who was outstanding along with the rest of the back four, should have scored with his header.

“We knew Rochdale would come at us second half but we limited them a little before Viv (Solomon-Otabor) has to score at the back post. It’s a wonderful ball in and he has to score.”

After having the better of the first half, Bowyer’s players had to battle during the second as their visitors enjoyed more of the ball.

However, that hard work was rewarded with a clean sheet and a point to build upon for Saturday’s trip to Southend United.

Bowyer said: “We had to dig in during the last 15 minutes because it was like A and E on the touchline; Jimmy (Ryan) got a knock, Sessi came off and Callum Cooke did a terrific job out of position.

“I’m really proud of them and really delighted with how they have gone against a really good League One team who will be up there at the end of the season.

“We spoke about a response to Saturday; we needed a response from that performance and they gave us that and more.

“To bounce back like they have done is a credit to them and really fills me with confidence going into the rest of the season.

“Tonight was the first real test for them, to see how they would react following a defeat.

“We had a defeat on the first day (at Bradford City) but that was the first game; tonight was 10 games in and we could have a look at them character-wise - and they really stepped up.”