Bowyer: Blackpool on a roll with new system

Don’t miss the latest football news and gossip from leagues in England, Scotland and Europe with footballwire.co.ukGary Bowyer says his Blackpool side have momentum heading into the last nine games of the season.

The Seasiders, who are six points above the drop zone, head to Milton Keynes Dons today knowing a win should all but confirm their League One status.

Bowyer’s men have lost just one of their last eight games and are looking to build on two positive displays on home turf, backing up their 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic with a solid 1-1 draw against Southend United last Saturday.

The Seasiders now have a priceless chance to pick up another three points against a Dons side in the bottom four and manager Bowyer said: “We had that fabulous result and performance against Charlton, and in unbelievably bad conditions I thought we showed a different side to us to get that point against Southend.

“We could have nicked the three but so could they. The run we’re on gives us a lot of momentum.”

Pool’s form has coincided with a slight change in system, with Jimmy Ryan and Jay Spearing sitting deep in midfield, allowing Sean Longstaff to roam higher up the pitch.

Ryan and Spearing had struggled to perform together but the presence of Longstaff appears to have made a massive difference.

“The new system has worked for us,” Bowyer said. “In Jimmy and Jay, you’ve got two fantastic footballers who bring so much experience.

“We’ve spoken about the young players in the group all season and how we’ve needed that experience.

“At this stage of the season, you really look at your senior players to step up and use that experience.”

Bowyer also provided an update on the injuries to Kelvin Mellor, Mark Cullen and Jim McAlister .

He said: “Kelvin has made good progress. It will be a week by week thing with him.

“Mark has had a very good week. If he can back that up next week, it will give him a massive boost and we could look at introducing him even further.

“Jim’s had a very good week as well. We need to keep that going next week.”