Blackpool midfielder's Taylor-made warning

Chris Taylor says Blackpool can't afford to let their foot off the gas when they begin the new league season next weekend like they did against Crewe Alexandra in their final friendly of the summer.
Blackpools Chris Taylor celebrates scoring at Crewe AlexandraBlackpools Chris Taylor celebrates scoring at Crewe Alexandra
Blackpools Chris Taylor celebrates scoring at Crewe Alexandra

The midfielder was on the scoresheet as the Seasiders completed their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw at Gresty Road on Saturday.

Gary Bowyer’s men were much the better side in the first half yet were unable to build on their early lead, which came courtesy of Taylor’s fine early strike.

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They dropped off the pace in the second period and were pegged back just after the interval, when Alex Nicholls took advantage of Nick Anderton’s error to level thanks to the aid of a deflection.

Taylor, who signed on a free transfer earlier this summer, was happy with Pool’s display.

However, he knows there is still work to do ahead of their curtain raiser against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

“It’s another 70 to 90 minutes for the lads and I thought it was a good workout,” he said.

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“In the first half especially I thought we looked really good. Going forward we were creating lots of good chances and the movement was very good and we were pressing them well.

“Second half we weren’t at it like we were in the first, but overall it was another good workout towards next week.

“I’m not sure why we dropped off in the second half, but that’s what these are friendlies are for to get fitter for the proper games.

“I’d love to know the reason why, but we definitely dropped off a little bit second half so we’ll be looking to put that right next week.”

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Taylor’s goal at Crewe was an impressive one, with the 31-year-old curling home a sublime effort into the top corner after being teed up by fellow new signing Joe Dodoo.

“I think anyone would be pleased when one flies into the top corner like that. If you’re not going to be happy with that, you never will be,” Taylor said.

“I was delighted with it to be honest. It was good work by Joe, he’s just set me up nicely and I’ve not really thought about it, it’s just gone into the top corner.

“Joe I think has everything to be a good striker. He can get in behind, he can run at people. He just needs to get his head up a little bit more when he gets into the final third.

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“But he can definitely be a dangerous player for us this season.

“The rest of the lads have settled in really well. There’s a lot of new lads but we’ve all really gelled and there’s a good mix at the minute.

“We’re still learning about each other and we will only learn more and more as the season goes on.”