Ian Evatt issues immediate reaction to Blackpool's victory over Port Vale
Blackpool overcame Port Vale with a 3-2 win at Bloomfield Road for a vital three points.
Ian Evatt was left delighted with the courage Blackpool demonstrated to come from behind twice to pick up a 3-2 victory over Port Vale.
Dajaune Brown opened the scoring in the opening exchanges, to give the Seasiders immediate concern in the first of nine cup finals to survive the drop.
A reaction from Ian Evatt’s side came at the beginning of the second half through a Niall Ennis goal, before Vale edged their way back in front courtesy of a Rhys Walters goal.
There were another couple of twists ahead of full time, with momentum shifting again, with Ashley Fletcher pulling the scores level once more, prior to a winner courtesy of a James Husband shot deflecting in off Reuell Walters.
Reflecting on the vital result, Evatt said: “We made it incredibly difficult for ourselves. I’ve been talking all along about how we’ve managed to lose games before we’ve been able to win them, and conceding after 30 seconds is again unacceptable, but they showed unbelievable courage to go behind twice and keep believing.
“They kept pushing and striving. The frustrating part for me is, I know it’s been in them, and I’ve been trying everything to get it out of them. It’s not natural for some of them, but it is there. I work with them every day, and I believe in them.
“Today they managed to get what I thought we deserved in the second half. I thought we were really brilliant.
“They scored with their first attack, but it didn’t rock us, it made us more determined. It’s difficult to take because it’s from nothing, it’s so frustrating, but we’ve shown courage - the fans helped us to do that because they stayed with us and supported us.
“We needed them at that moment, and we delivered for them. I’m sure they’ll say it’s about time, but we’ve got eight more to do.
“I’m not getting carried away because it’s one performance and one win - we need more. I love this football club, I love this fanbase, and I love this town. When we get the stadium how it was tonight and everyone plays their part - it’s a very special place. I hold it dear to my heart.
“We have a responsibility to have more nights like that, because I love football when it’s like that.”
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