Pool's play-off position is in their own hands

The fact that Blackpool don't need to rely on other results going their way brings much-needed clarity according to manager Gary Bowyer.
Blackpool boss Gary Bowyer says his players know what they have to do todayBlackpool boss Gary Bowyer says his players know what they have to do today
Blackpool boss Gary Bowyer says his players know what they have to do today

The Seasiders go into this evening’s game knowing a win against Leyton Orient will all but confirm a League Two play-off spot thanks to their vastly superior goal difference.

That means that unlike last week, where Pool remained in the top seven despite losing 1-0 at Notts County, they don’t need other results to go in their favour.

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Bowyer said: “From our point of view, we go through the process of preparing as normal but to say it’s just a game at the end of the season – obviously we can’t do that because we’re aware of the fact that if we win we’re in the play-offs.

“I think that’s the biggest thing for us, we have clarity in terms of what we have to do.

“We have to win a game of football. We know where we are and we’re not relying on other team’s scores.”

Just three points separate Carlisle United in sixth and Mansfield Town all the way down in 12th place, meaning there are seven sides competing for those all-important last two play-off spots.

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That all but ensures a frantic last day of action but Bowyer is confident his players will keep their concentration and not get distracted by events elsewhere.

“It’s been a crazy season,” Bowyer said. “Anybody can beat anybody and that’s been the case all season.

“We’ve got to really concentrate on our performance on Saturday. Our preparation has been good and we’re really looking forward to the game now.

“For the players, once the whistle goes, it will be very easy to concentrate. They’ve just got to focus on what they’ve done well this season and what their strengths are as individuals and as a team.

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“I can’t see any of them having any interest in what’s going off anywhere else.”

The Seasiders have what many would consider to be a fairly straight-forward game against a bottom-of-the-league and already relegated Leyton Orient side.

Responding to that suggestion, Bowyer said: “It’s not an easy game, there is nothing easy in this league. It’s not long ago that they went to Luton and drew so we’re aware of what the challenge is.”