'Missed him' - Blackpool boss hails quality of ex-Stoke City man following key contribution
Blackpool claimed a 1-0 victory over Mansfield Town.
Niall Ennis marked his return to Blackpool’s starting XI with a crucial goal in Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory over Mansfield Town.
The Seasiders headed into the fixture at Bloomfield Road desperately needing three points on the back of a 4-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle at the weekend.
After initially making a loan move to the Fylde Coast last January, Ennis proved himself to be a natural goalscorer in Tangerine, but since his permanent transfer from Stoke City in the summer, it’s not been a straightforward ride for the forward.
An achilles injury back in September ruled the 26-year-old out for several months, while his return to action since the turn of the year has been a slow process.
Ennis was thrown back from the start against the Stags, and reminded the Blackpool faithful what he’s capable of, with a finish on the turn to break the deadlock.
“This was a big occasion and we wanted a big player to step up for us, Niall has done that today, and we’re delighted for him,” head coach Ian Evatt said.
“We’ve lacked composure at times, but that was a moment of composure. The first touch to set himself and then to finish it the way he has - he’s a goalscorer and has a proven record of scoring in this league.
“We’ve missed him for far too long. He’s had a significant injury and it’s taken him a long time to get back. He’s not a naturally fit lad, so he needs time and work - he’ll be the first to admit that.
“I’m so pleased for him to get back on the scoresheet and delighted for the team to get a result we desperately needed.”
Wing-back steps up for Blackpool
CJ Hamilton has been among the Blackpool players to struggle in recent times, but was on hand with an assist on Tuesday night - despite his availability being uncertain at one point.
“He’s had a really tough time, and he’s ill - he’s playing with an upset stomach,” Evatt added.
“He wanted to go out there. We’ve got three senior subs at the minute, and Hayden is just returning from injury, so we needed CJ to do that for us.
“Not everyone sees that, but he’s stepped forward when we needed him and that's a huge credit.”
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