Last-gasp winner crowns 'fabulous' performance for Blackpool boss Bowyer

The Seasiders were in control of proceedings from start to finish but had to wait until injury time for that elusive goal which lifted them three places to 14th and stretched the gap to the League One drop zone to seven points.

“It was a fabulous performance from us,” manager Bowyer said. “I spoke before the game about the desire from the players to put this home run right.

“It’s not been through a lack of effort or through a lack of performances –we haven’t played badly at home all season.

“You saw that desire and I thought we played some terrific stuff on a difficult surface. With a little bit more care in the final third we’d have won it fairly comfortably but their goalie has made a couple of outstanding saves.

“But we kept going and we didn’t give up. We were joking with Jimmy before the game that the last time he had a shot was Plymouth away. That’s how long it’s been, never mind a goal.

“So we were on to him to shoot more. It was also important to get a last-minute winner because we hadn’t done that this season, so that’s another one ticked off the list.

“I’m really pleased and really proud because they dug in and stuck at it.

“We’ve got to enjoy this because it’s been a long time coming. I was delighted for the supporters because they really played their part.

“You don’t get many in here but they make more noise than you’d think.”

Blackpool’s players dedicated the win to Nathan Delfouneso, who was rushed to hospital after being stretchered off following a nasty clash of heads in the first half.

Bowyer added: “I’ve not had an update on his situation but he left here and went to hospital.

“The lads at the end said they did it for Nathan, which is great and shows the spirit they have got.

“There’s no intent from their lad, but if the ball was on the floor and there’s a collision like that we’re talking about a red card.

“But the referee didn’t even give a free-kick – he gave a drop ball.

“I just can’t get (my head) around some of the decisions that go against us. I don’t get what they see at times.

“But we wish Nathan well and we hope it’s not too bad because we’ve already got Kelvin Mellor missing for a while.

“He’s suffered ankle ligament damage and will be out for at least a couple of weeks.

“Our squad isn’t big enough to be missing players.”