Ian Evatt issues immediate reaction to Blackpool's draw with Leyton Orient
Blackpool drew 1-1 with Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road.
Ian Evatt states his side did more than enough to earn a late point in their 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road - but admits they forgot the basics in the first half.
Aaron Connolly had given the home side the lead in the 23rd minute, but Ashley Fletcher cancelled that out with an equaliser in second half stoppage time.
Following a disappointing first half, the Seasiders were boosted by the sending off of Tayo Adaramola, and eventually made the most of the opportunity of facing 10-men.
“I felt like we were getting into good areas - it was just about being patient and not panicking,” Evatt said.
“We snatched a few chances, Fletch had a really big chance just after the sending off. Two of our best chances fell to Andy (Lyons). We created.
“It’s hard to create chances against 10 men surrounding their penalty box, but we managed to do it. Thankfully we got one because it was the least we deserved - we probably should’ve got more and got all three points.
“We have to learn from the first half. We are trying to give the players so much information, with and without the ball, and plan for each game accordingly, and giving them the diligence they deserve, but we forgot to compete and do the basics really well.
“We conceded a goal from a throw-in, which I’m really frustrated and angry about - that can’t happen. Thankfully, we had the second half and we regrouped.
“Even before the sending off, we had started on the front foot and pressed in the right way. The sending off happened because we got him booked in the first half. I don’t think anyone can argue that we deserved a point.
“The players are giving me everything, and it’s been a really condensed group. We’ve got eight injured, so there’s been a lot of information. Today they forgot to do the basics, which underpin everything we want to do tactically.
“We have to make sure we start better and do better, and be more aggressive, more intense and more intimidating - then we can add the tactical bits. We’ve not got time to waste.”