Blackpool squad targets EFL Trophy progress

The West Ham United loanee scored his first Blackpool goal on Wednesday night in the 3-0 win against Leeds United’s Under-21s.

It helped the Seasiders qualify for the knockout stages of the competition, Neil Critchley’s side finishing second in their group behind Accrington Stanley.

No date for the second round draw has been revealed yet, but Blackpool will face an away game in the next stage of the Trophy, which remains regionalised.

While the competition remains much maligned in certain quarters, Kemp says Blackpool can’t afford to turn up their noses at the possibility of getting to the final and playing at Wembley Stadium.

“We spoke about that many times before going into these games,” the 21-year-old said.

“It’s a competition we’re taking really seriously, because any chance you get to go to Wembley is massively important.

“We look to win in every game we play and we’ve done really well and we’re now through to the next stage, so we’re excited for what’s to come.

“A chance to play at Wembley is what every player wants and we’ll look to do that. Every game that comes in this competition we want to win.

“The players are delighted and the staff are delighted that we’re through and we can build on this now.”

Kemp was in impressive form against Leeds’ youngsters, scoring Blackpool’s first goal of the night thanks to an emphatic finish from Bez Lubala’s stunning cross.

The winger then went on to play a leading role in Blackpool’s second, as his vicious corner ricocheted into the back of the net via an unfortunate Leeds player.

Neil Critchley’s side would then go on to put the game to bed late on thanks to Ethan Robson’s long-range curler as Blackpool won for the fourth consecutive game.

“It’s a great win first and foremost, but I really enjoyed it out there,” Kemp added.

“We’re really delighted with the performance and the victory. It’s another good win for us.

“We were looking to keep our good run of form going and we’ve done that, so it’s a good night all round. Winning breeds confidence and that’s what we’ll be looking to keep doing.

“I was delighted to get the goal as well, it was a really good feeling to score.

“Arriving late in the box is something I work on a lot in training and it was a great pass from Bez. Thankfully I managed to time my run well and finish it, which I was delighted with.

“When it comes in at pace like that you always want to just get a good contact on the ball and try and hit the target. Once you make a good contact you’ve got a good chance of it going in.”

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