Blackpool boss makes admission on manner of recent wins in League One survival push

Blackpool claimed a 1-0 victory over Leyton Orient to mathematically secure their safety in League One.

Blackpool have made themselves difficult to beat in the last few weeks - with their recent run of form securing their League One survival.

Things looked bleak for the Seasiders in mid-March, and not many would’ve bet on them to pull themselves out of the League One relegation zone after a massive slump throughout the opening months of 2026.

In attack, they looked short of ideas, while defensive collapses were happening far too often at the slight bit of adversity.

A 2-1 defeat away to Doncaster Rovers was among many results that set alarm bells ringing, but has ultimately proved to be the game that prompted a much-needed reaction.

Starting with a 3-2 victory over Port Vale, Blackpool have gone on to record 19 points from their last eight matches, with a 1-0 loss away to Stevenage being the only blip during that period.

Four of the Seasiders’ wins in their recent strong run have been a 1-0 scoreline, while an additional clean sheet came their way in a 0-0 stalemate away to Cardiff City.

The new-found stability at the back has proven to be a key factor behind the club’s survival, with Saturday’s victory over Leyton Orient helping Ian Evatt’s side over the line.

In the form table for the last eight games, Blackpool are third overall, but possess the best defensive record.

Evatt admits, he’s enjoyed the way his side have been able to shut opponents out, even though he’s not been able to fully relax until the full time whistle.

“I’m a defender - I love clean sheets,” he said.

“As a coach I like to score goals and do things slightly different, but those dirty 1-0 wins - no one enjoys them more than me.”

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