Blackpool 3-2 Port Vale: Seasiders secure vital win in fight for League One survival
Blackpool overcame Port Vale with a 3-2 win at Bloomfield Road for a vital three points.
Blackpool picked up a vital 3-2 victory over Port Vale at Bloomfield Road as they look to fight their way out of trouble at the bottom end of League One.
Dajaune Brown opened the scoring in the opening exchanges, to give the Seasiders immediate concern in the first of nine cup finals to survive the drop.
A reaction from Ian Evatt’s side came at the beginning of the second half through a Niall Ennis goal, before Vale edged their way back in front courtesy of a Rhys Walters goal.
There were another couple of twists ahead of full time, with momentum shifting again, with Ashley Fletcher pulling the scores level once more, prior to a winner courtesy of a James Husband shot deflecting in off Reuell Walters.
Blackpool’s evening got off to the worst possible start as they looked to put recent demons behind them in their battle at the bottom end of the League One table.
Just one minute into the contest, Brown gave the visitors the lead. After a scramble in the box, the forward was able to finish into an open goal, with the Seasiders failing to deal with the danger on several occasions, with Jon Brady’s side battling harder for the ball.
Jordan Shipley attempted to double the lead a couple of times with shots from distance. One of the midfielder’s attempts was pulled wide of the target, while the other was pushed away by Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
The highlight of the Seasiders’ attacking exploits in the first half hour were two off target shots from Josh Bowler on the right side.
Jordan Brown came the closest to finding an equaliser before the break, with an effort from distance striking the post.
At the start of the second half, Blackpool followed Port Vale’s example in the first, as they swiftly found their equaliser.
A Bowler cross into the box was met by Ennis - who tucked the ball past Joe Gauci just one minute after the restart.
The visitors retook the lead ahead of the hour mark. Shipley got in down the right side, before finding Walters in the box.
Moments after being introduced off the bench in the 71st minute, Tom Bloxham was able to have an immediate impact. A ball from the forward, allowed Fletcher to direct the ball towards the target to level things again.
The Seasiders swiftly found themselves in front for the first time, with another substitute having an important impact.
A corner into the box eventually fell at a nice height for Husband - whose volley found its way past Gauci with a deflection off Walters.
Blackpool FC: Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Reuell Walters, Michael Ihiekwe (71’), Olly Casey, Hayden Coulson (64’), Jordan Brown, George Honeyman (64’), Josh Bowler, Joel Randall (64’), Ashley Fletcher, Niall Ennis (71’).
Substitutes: Franco Ravizzoli, James Husband (71’), Leighton Clarkson (64’), Tom Bloxham (71’), CJ Hamilton (64’), Karoy Anderson (64’), Zac Ashworth.
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