Blackpool 2-0 Northampton Town: Marvin Ekpiteta and Jerry Yates net as Seasiders dig in for hard-earned three points

Ekpiteta, scoring for the second game running, got Blackpool off to the perfect start when he scrambled home from close range after 12 minutes.

Despite the fast start to proceedings, the game soon became a scrappy, ugly affair and Blackpool had to do the dirty stuff to grind out an important win that ensures back-to-back victories.

The Seasiders were rewarded for their doggedness late on when Jerry Yates continued his fine scoring form, netting for the 10th time in his last 18 games, with a stoppage-time effort to make sure of the win.

The victory continues Blackpool’s strong record on home turf where they’re unbeaten in the league since October.

Despite having a number of players back from Covid, the Blackpool squad was still depleted with as many as eight players out.

Daniel Gretarsson, Luke Garbutt, Ethan Robson, Grant Ward, Keshi Anderson, CJ Hamilton, Bez Lubala and Gary Madine were all missing.

Neil Critchley opted to make four changes from last week’s 5-0 win against Wigan Athletic.

Kenny Dougall returned from self-isolation to reclaim his place in central midfield alongside January signing Kevin Stewart, who was handed a first start in tangerine.

Ellis Simms’ reward for netting two goals off the bench at the DW Stadium last week was a first professional start in league football, while Sullay Kaikai returned to the flanks.

MJ Williams, a deadline day departure, was one name missing from the Wigan game, while Robson, Lubala and Madine were all surprise absences.

New signing Elliot Embleton wasn’t registered in time on deadline day to be registered for Blackpool’s squad, but will come into contention for Saturday’s trip to Ipswich Town.

Both sides exchanged presentable early chances inside the opening two minutes.

Blackpool were the first to threaten after winning a free-kick in a good crossing position inside the opening 20 seconds.

Sullay Kaikai whipped in a teasing delivery that reached Jordan Thorniley, but the defender could only stab narrowly wide at the back post.

The Cobblers responded well and forced a smart save out of Chris Maxwell, who had to get across his goal to claw Ryan Watson’s volley on the turn out for a corner.

Maxwell was quick off his line to deal with a Bryn Morris through-ball, with Thorniley sitting too deep and playing Ryan Edmondson onside.

The frantic tempo continued apace, with the Seasiders going close through loanee Ellis Simms.

The nippy striker was found thanks to a clever pass from Kevin Stewart, which allowed the Everton man to take the ball past his marker before seeing his drilled low effort well saved by the feet of Northampton keeper Jonathan Mitchell.

Blackpool kept their foot on the gas and got their reward with a goal on the 12-minute mark.

Marvin Ekpiteta, who hadn’t scored for Blackpool until last week’s win against Wigan, got it to make it two goals in two games for the centre-back.

It was a scrambled effort from the defender, who scrambled the ball over the line after Northampton had failed to deal with Sullay Kaikai’s lofted cross towards the back post.

The Cobblers, who posed a threat from long throws and set-pieces, threatened to level when Sam Hoskins cut inside from the left and unleashed a powerful drive which deflected just wide.

Blackpool created a good opportunity to double their lead midway through the opening half when they broke at lightning-fast speed from a Northampton corner.

Simms surged down the right flank and found Kaikai in the middle, the winger taking a touch to set himself before unleashing a 20-yard shot which was claimed by Mitchell at the second attempt.

Ryan Watson, who had already demonstrated a willingness to run at defenders, embarked on another mazy surge towards goal before shooting straight at Maxwell.

Pool were awarded a free-kick in a good shooting opportunity at the start of the second-half, Kaikai testing Mitchell with a dipping effort which the Northampton shot stopper claimed at the second attempt.

The game soon became a scrappy affair with mistakes creeping in from both sides, as the rain began to lash down more heavily.

Kenny Dougall, on his return to the side from Covid, tried his luck from range only to drag his 25-yard effort wide of goal.

The Seasiders wasted a gilt-edged chance to bag a second on the hour-mark when Stewart hit the post on his first start for the club.

It followed a quick counter, with Northampton bizarrely leaving no defenders back from a free-kick deep into Blackpool territory.

Kaikai was the man to break through, only to unselfishly lay it off to Stewart who could only crash his shot against the woodwork when he really ought to have scored.

Northampton had the ball in the back of the net on 71 minutes following a back-post header, but the linesman’s flag was already raised for offside. Replays showed former Fleetwood Town defender Cian Bolger looked to be on.

Critchley made his first change of the evening soon after, bringing on Demetri Mitchell for Dougall, which saw Virtue brought back into the middle.

Mitchell, who had been linked with a deadline day move to Rochdale, was involved straight away as he found Kaikai down the left. The winger’s cross reached Simms in the middle but, with the ball behind him, the striker could only manage to head over.

Pool wasted another headed chance as Thorniley, who was left unmarked, was unable to get any power on his free header from Kaikai’s floated cross.

Simms’ first start for the Seasiders came to an end 10 minutes from time as he was replaced by Ollie Turton, as Critchley looked to sure up his midfield with an extra man.

Blackpool were given a late scare when, with just two minutes left on the clock, substitute Shaun McWilliams picked out the unmarked Bryn Morris only for the Northampton man to head straight at Maxwell.

Jerry Yates ended the nervousness as he put the game to bed with a clever finish in the second minute of stoppage time.

It followed a quick throwout from Maxwell, which unleashed Yates down the left flank. The in-form striker showed great footwork to take the ball past his marker as well as the keeper before rolling the ball home from a tight angle.

TEAMS

Blackpool: Maxwell, Gabriel, Ekpiteta, Thorniley, Husband, Dougall (Mitchell), Stewart, Virtue, Kaikai, Yates, Simms (Turton)

Subs not used: Sims, Ballard, Antwi, Shaw, Apter

Northampton: Mitchell, Jones, Bolger, Horsfall (Rose), Kioso, Watson (Chukwuemeka), Morris, Mills, Sowerby (Korboa), Hoskins (McWilliams), Edmondson

Subs not used: Berry, Harriman, Marshall

Referee: James Oldham

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