Blackpool FC must beat their set piece problems

The Seasiders put in a dominant display at Oxford United last weekend and had more than enough chances to come home with the three points.

But a combination of good goalkeeping from Oxford’s Simon Eastwood and Blackpool’s own inability to find the back of the net proved costly for Gary Bowyer’s men, who were undone just eight minutes from time when Jon Obika headed home Alex Mowatt’s free-kick.

It came after Kelvin Mellor was booked for giving away a needless free-kick in a good crossing position, which the hosts took full advantage of.

Spearing, who took over the captain’s armband in the absence of Jimmy Ryan, couldn’t hide his frustration at Pool’s 1-0 defeat.

He said: “I wish I could tell you how we lost that game but it was just one of those days where we’ve dominated the game from the first minute until the end and a small switch-off with a set piece, which we thought we had got past that stage, has cost us the three points.

“We’re bitterly disappointed with the manner in which we’ve not come away with three points.

“I thought we had got past conceding silly goals from set pieces and I thought we had turned a new leaf after we started the New Year with a great away victory (at Rochdale).

“Even coming here to Oxford, we knew it was going to be tough but from the get-go I think we dominated the play, dominated first and second balls and created more chances. I don’t know what else to say other than we’re absolutely devastated.”