Blackpool boss explains need for change in Stevenage loss following Good Friday win
Blackpool were defeated 1-0 by Stevenage on the road.
Blackpool boss Ian Evatt hasn’t been afraid to rotate winning sides in the last few weeks.
Even during an upturn of form in the past month, the Seasiders have continued to make changes to match each opponent.
This was no different for the Easter Monday trip to Stevenage, with three changes being made from the side that beat Exeter City 1-0 on Good Friday.
Goalscorer Tom Bloxham dropped to the bench for Niall Ennis, while fellow key performer from the Grecians victory Reuell Walters made way for the returning Olly Casey - who formed a back three.
Bolton Wanderers loanee Joel Randall also dropped to the bench to make room for Leighton Clarkson in the midfield.
On this occasion, the alterations didn’t bring success, with a 1-0 defeat at the Lamex Stadium acting as a reminder of the battle Blackpool still face to remain outside of League One’s bottom four.
Evatt states he felt the need to set up in the way he did in order to match Stevenage’s key strengths, but was ultimately left frustrated by the way they didn’t play the football they wanted.
“We put a lot of energy and effort into Friday because we knew how vital that was,” he said.
“We needed some freshness, energy and physicality. It’s not a case of just being ready to go again because every game is different. Exeter at home is a completely different challenge to Stevenage away.
“There’s no blame attached to anyone who came into the team, we just didn’t play enough football on a difficult pitch.
“We needed physicality because of the size of their team. We know how aggressive they are, we knew it was a tight pitch so there wouldn’t be space for Tom (Bloxham) to run. We thought Niall (Ennis) with his hold up play would help us.
“There’s no blame attached to our forwards today, we just didn’t give them enough quality service.”
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