Crewe Alexandra 1-1 Blackpool: Grant Ward nets first competitive goal for the Seasiders to stop the rot

The midfielder netted 20 minutes from time to level after Mikael Mandron had given the home side the lead very much against the run of play.

Try as they might to get a much-needed win, the Seasiders were eventually forced to settle for a point which does at least stop the rot having come into the game on the back of three straight league defeats.

Blackpool were much improved in the main, controlling the game and often penning Crewe in their own half.

But, despite their dominance, clear-cut chances were few and far between and they were once again lacking a cutting edge in the final third.

Neil Critchley, on his return to his former club, made two changes to the side that were comprehensively beaten 4-1 by Ipswich Town last weekend.

Jordan Gabriel, who was involved in two of the four goals, was replaced by James Husband who returned after serving a one-match suspension.

Husband partnered Marvin Ekpiteta in the centre, which allowed Ollie Turton to revert to his natural position of right-back.

Elsewhere, Keshi Anderson missed out with a knock, handing an opportunity for MJ Williams to make his first league start of the season.

New signings Ben Woodburn and Kenny Dougall weren’t involved, but there was a spot on the bench for Dan Ballard - who trained with his new teammates on Friday for the first time having returned from international duty.

Daniel Gretarsson, who trained with the Seasiders all week following his recent move from Norway, was left out of the 18.

While Matty Virtue and Sullay Kaikai remain sidelined with injuries, Oliver Sarkic was fit enough to take a spot on the bench.

Blackpool, stung by recent defeats, made a bright start to this one, showing good intent right from the off.

They were, however, dealt an early setback when Luke Garbutt was forced off through injury after just five minutes.

The left-back, who trudged off the pitch clutching his hamstring, was replaced by Demetri Mitchell.

Blackpool remained undeterred though, playing some lovely intricate football in and around the Crewe box, continuously probing the home side’s back four.

Critchley’s side remained well in control, penning Crewe back with the hosts struggling to even get out of their own half.

But, as has often been the story for Blackpool so far this season, they were lacking that cutting edge in the final third despite getting into some great attacking positions.

The Seasiders were almost gifted the lead just before the half-hour mark in comical fashion.

Luke Murphy’s backpass beat goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen, but he was able to scramble back to clear off his own goalline ahead of Jerry Yates, who was ready to capitalise.

Yates was involved in the thick of the action again a few moments later, seeing a goalbound shot deflect just over after Crewe could only partially clear a cross into their box.

Crewe began to see more of the ball towards the end of the first-half but the opening period fizzled out with little goalmouth action to report from both sides.

The Seasiders carried on where they left off at the start of the second half, controlling the play and pinning Crewe back into their own half.

It wasn’t long though until the home side began to see more of the ball, eventually growing in confidence as they began to cause some problems for the first time.

Crewe fired a warning on 51 minutes, the dangerous Charlie Kirk - left in an alarming amount of space down the left - seeing his pullback cleared by Williams.

Pool clearly didn’t learn their lesson though, as they left the talented Kirk in acres of space down the left once again, the winger picking out the unmarked Mikael Mandron at the back post which the striker gobbled up.

The former Gillingham man had the simple task of steering home from around six yards out, handing Crewe the lead with their first chance of the game.

Blackpool, left shell-shocked by the goal, struggled to muster much of a response, other than a hopeful Williams shot which flew well wide.

They were given a huge let-off just after the hour mark when Dan Powell beat Mitchell all ends up in the left-back position, only to see his pullback just elude Mandron inside the six-yard box.

Just as Pool were beginning to look increasingly desperate in their attempts to get back in the game, Gary Madine came close with a header from Grant Ward’s corner - Crewe scrambling clear close to goal.

Blackpool maintained the pressure and Madine and Ward were involved once again as they levelled on 71 minutes.

Madine’s close-range shot was blocked, but it fell kindly for Ward who slammed home beyond Jaaskelainen with the aid of a slight deflection.

With seven minutes remaining Yates, who was already on a booking, flew into a challenge by the touchline which had Crewe boss Dave Artell and his players up in arms, crying out for the referee to award a second yellow. Fortunately for Pool, the referee only gave Yates a stern talking-to.

If a late winner was to arrive, Blackpool looked the more likely but they were unable to create any clear openings - leaving them to settle for a point.

TEAMS

Crewe: Jaaskelainen, Ng, Pickering, Beckles, Murphy (Lowery), Wintle, Powell, Offord, Kirk, Ainley (Finney), Mandron

Subs not used: Richards, Porter, Zanzala, Dale, Johnson

Blackpool: Maxwell, Turton, Ekpiteta, Husband, Garbutt (Mitchell), Williams, Robson, Ward, Hamilton, Yates, Madine

Subs not used: Sims, Gabriel, Ballard, Kemp, Sarkic, Lubala

Referee: Peter Wright