Opinion: Cardiff City draw provided extra hope as Blackpool prepare to fight for the future while reflecting on the past
Blackpool take on Burton Albion at Bloomfield Road this weekend.
Opinion: Blackpool’s draw away to Cardiff City provided an additional sense of hope but it still remains important to remain grounded.
It’s amazing the difference a week makes. The Seasiders’ 2-1 defeat to Doncaster Rovers a fortnight ago and the 0-0 stalemate in South Wales was night and day.
The soft side that limped to a loss at the Eco-Power Stadium found its backbone against one of League One’s strongest sides.
It’s as simple as, if we see the team that turned up against Cardiff more often, then Ian Evatt’s side will be fine, but if they revert to type then they’ll be in serious trouble.
Of course the Port Vale win in Blackpool’s last home game was the crucial result.
Three points were required, and that’s exactly what was delivered. The way the game went allowed the Seasiders to demonstrate they have the fight required to stay in the third tier, and clearly it gave them a confidence boost.
Ultimately that display was still messy - conceding twice to the team at the foot of the table; which made the Cardiff display all the more welcome.
It was a compact performance, with recent defensive concerns nowhere to be seen.
The Bluebirds had their chances, and a couple of big saves were required from Bailey Peacock-Farrell, but Blackpool didn’t look like a team in the bottom four clinging on by pure luck.
They were well organised and executed an almost perfect game plan, with a Tom Bloxham chance on the break going just wide of the post.
Something the last two games have in common is the fact the team have been able to prove wrong certain descriptions of themselves by demonstrating fight and being solid.
There’s still a long way to go, and recent displays need to be replicated across the next seven games.
Big occasion awaits Blackpool on Saturday
Fans helped Blackpool over the line against Port Vale, and it’ll be more of the same from the crowd on Saturday.
A bumper crowd is expected as the club celebrates the anniversary of the 2019 homecoming, with the North Stand already sold out.
It’s set to be a day that reflects on a historic day from the past, while a fight for the future takes place.
If the players can’t get themselves up for this one then there’ll be serious post-Doncaster concern once again.
Replicating performances from the last couple of games will be key, and if they’re able to do that, then there’ll be an unbelievable sense of togetherness in the ground.
A tough task does await. Gary Bowyer has his Burton side very well organised, and they will be well prepared to punish Blackpool’s weaknesses if any sign of frailty is on display.
Every game between now and the end of the season is crucial, but this is the one that will have the biggest influence in setting the tone.
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