'More confidence' - Ex-Blackpool coach issues verdict after Bolton Wanderers draw
Blackpool drew 2-2 with Bolton Wanderers at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Former Blackpool coach Steve Thompson states the Seasiders’ performance against Bolton Wanderers gave him more confidence they can survive the current League One relegation battle.
Ian Evatt’s side came away from the Toughsheet Community Stadium with a point after drawing 2-2 with the Trotters.
Eoin Toal edged the home team ahead after the hour mark, before Blackpool quickly turned things around through Hayden Coulson and George Honeyman.
There was another twist, as Mason Burstow pulled the scores level once again, before both sides had late opportunities to take all three points.
Thompson delivers verdict on draw between Blackpool and Bolton
Thompson, who has had his fair share of spells on the Fylde Coast under several coaches, was on commentary duty for BBC Radio Lancashire at the weekend.
After previously watching the Seasiders suffer a 4-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle the week before, the 61-year-old was pleased to see them build on their 1-0 midweek victory over Mansfield Town in what was an exciting game against Bolton.
“It was a credit to the division,” he told the broadcaster.
“Even in the first half, there were chances for both teams. Bolton were always a threat with the corners and the set plays coming, you could see them growing and growing.
“Reuell Walters and Hayden Coulson did well, they defended well but there was also a threat going forward as well.
“It was a good first half for Blackpool, they frustrated Bolton. Then in the second half, they both started to create more.
“Eoin Toal had a free header from a Rob Apter corner. It was another set play, which we are quite vulnerable from, and that made it 1-0.
“You thought, ‘right is Evo (Ian Evatt) going to make the changes,’ because Blackpool were still in the game.
“The changes came. Tom Bloxham gets down the right side and gets his head up, which I think he has to do a lot more, pulls it back, and Hayden Coulson is there and gives Jack Bonham no chance.
“That was 1-1, and it was end-to-end. I don’t think it suited either team because it was getting that stretched. It was about who had the quality in the final third.
“Jack Bonham plays it out from the back, I’m not too sure why they do it these days, I really don’t. He was under pressure from George Honeyman, who got onto his front foot, and put it in. It was nothing more than they deserved.
“Thierry Gale then cuts inside, crosses to the back stick, and Mason Burstow is there and gets the better of Coulson to put a looping header over Bailey’s (Peacock-Farrell) right-hand side to make it 2-2.
“Blackpool’s substitutions had a big influence - George Honeyman, Josh Bowler and Tom Bloxham.
“From what I saw last time, this was a much better performance. Fraser Horsfall is good in both boxes, he commands his box and talks well.
“It gave me a lot more confidence in terms of staying up and getting out of this relegation battle.”
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