Disruption for Blackpool fans waiting to visit new ground following FA Cup draw away to Ipswich Town
A new date will need to be found for one of Blackpool’s away games in January.
Blackpool discovered their FA Cup third round opponent on Monday night.
The draw, which was undertaken by former England internationals Joe Cole and Peter Crouch, saw the Seasiders tasked with a clash against Championship outfit Ipswich Town next month.
An Ashley Fletcher brace, alongside goals from Tom Bloxham and Scott Banks, helped the club to progress from the second round with a 4-1 victory over Carlisle United on Sunday evening.
Ian Evatt’s side will travel to Portman Road on the weekend of January 10/11 to take on the Tractor Boys - who are currently battling for an immediate return to the Premier League following their relegation last season.
Fixture change
Blackpool’s continued participation in the cup does mean a fixture change will be required in League One, with the third round not falling on a free weekend.
On January 10, the Seasiders were due to take on AFC Wimbledon in the capital, but this contest will now take place at a later date in a midweek slot.
The game will mark the Fylde Coast outfit’s first outing at the new Plough Lane, with the Dons having moved back to their spiritual home in 2020.
Blackpool’s last away game against the Wombles took place at QPR’s Loftus Road during the Covid-19 pandemic, while prior to that the two had met at Kingsmeadow.
Potential dates
There are a number of free slots for the fixture to be rearranged throughout January and February at the moment.
The W/C January 12 would be ruled out due to Wimbledon being in EFL Trophy action, while both sides have League One midweek games on January 27 and February 17.
That would leave the W/C January 19 for next month, and W/C 2, 9 and 23 in February as the current free slots.
Of course, The Dons’ further progression in the EFL Trophy would also have to be taken into account, but further round dates for the competition beyond the round of 16 has yet to be confirmed.
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