Kenny Dougall backs Blackpool to get back on track after 'bump in road' at Doncaster

Kenny Dougall believes Blackpool’s midweek defeat to Doncaster Rovers will just be a bump in the road.
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Matt Scrafton's verdict on Blackpool's frustrating defeat at Doncaster

The Seasiders squandered a two-goal half-time lead to lose 3-2 to Darren Moore’s men at the Keepmoat Stadium on Tuesday.

The defeat brought an end to Blackpool’s five-game winning run but Dougall is confident they can continue their impressive recent form.

Kenny Dougall looks shocked to concede a penalty at DoncasterKenny Dougall looks shocked to concede a penalty at Doncaster
Kenny Dougall looks shocked to concede a penalty at Doncaster
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“Being 2-0 up at half-time, you expect to walk away with three points,” the midfielder said.

“Without Doncaster troubling us too much, we’ve conceded three goals and lost the game. We’ve got a lot of devastated boys in the changing room but we have to let it go and move on.

“Of course we can bounce back – this is just one game in a long season.

“We didn’t start well. We had a hot spell but then this is a little bump and we’ll get over it, and we’ll go again at Harrogate (in the FA Cup) at the weekend.

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“It’s not just me – there are 11 players on the pitch. We all do our part. It’s normal to lose a football match but we can’t make it a habit or we won’t go anywhere in this league.

“We need to change that and I’m sure we will. It’s a learning step and we’re confident we can still win football matches.”

The Seasiders were left to rue a series of contentious refereeing calls, with head coach Neil Critchley saying he was left “aghast” and “bewildered” by some of Ross Joyce’s decisions.

Referees are human – they make mistakes,” Dougall said.

“Their first goal is obviously offside but it was given and it changed the game.

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“At the same time, we’re still 2-1 up and we should still go on and win the game.

“We haven’t done that and unfortunately we’ve walked away with nothing.”

Doncaster’s winner came from the penalty spot after Dougall had been adjudged to have fouled Matt Smith.

The 27-year-old said: “It’s another touch-and-go one. I thought I won the ball but he said I went through the back of him.

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“Obviously I don’t think it’s a penalty but it was given and we lost the game 3-2.

“We can talk about it all we want but we’re standing here with zero points and that’s bitterly disappointing.”

Blackpool’s misery was then compounded in stoppage-time, when the referee opted not to award a spot-kick at the other end.

A handball by Brad Halliday appeared blatant as Keshi Anderson looked to surge through on goal behind him.

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“From our point of view it’s a clear penalty,” Dougall said.

“It’s a difficult decision. It’s bounced up and his arm is by his side, maybe a little bit off his body, so it’s up to the referee and he’s decided it’s not a penalty.

“Again we’re disappointed with that but it’s up to the referee. We can’t influence his decision and we haven’t got it.”

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