Bowyer: Blackpool should have been out of sight

Blackpool found themselves 2-1 down at half-time despite dominating the opening period, with at least three glaring opportunities going begging.

Cheltenham goalkeeper Russell Griffiths produced a host of impressive stops to keep the visitors at bay.

The Seasiders equalised twice courtesy of a Kyle Vassell brace but were left to settle for a draw which left them 15th in League Two.

Bowyer said: “You take the point on the road, but with all the chances we missed the game should have been out of sight.

“But fair play to their goalkeeper – I thought he was outstanding. He’s made three brilliant saves.

“We continued from where we left off in terms of how we’ve been playing this season. We created chances and the players are enjoying how they are playing. You can clearly see that.

“The big thing for us was that we’ve come up against a keeper who produced three very, very good saves.”

Vassell cancelled out Cheltenham’s opener just before the half-time whistle only for the home side to regain the lead in the final minute of injury time.

But that man Vassell drove home from outside the box two minutes into the second half as Pool fought their way back for the second time.

While lavishing praise on Vassell for his finishes, Bowyer highlighted the deficiencies in his side’s defence for the two goals they conceded.

He said: “We spoke a lot about Cheltenham’s strengths in the build-up because they’re a very hard- working team.

“They have some height and we knew they would be a threat from set-plays. So to give them two soft free kicks, especially with the timing of the second one, is the frustrating thing on our part.

“We had the ball in the top half of the pitch and we should have kept it there.

“The players want to get the lead and win the game, even at 2-2 with 30 seconds to go.

“You have to applaud that enthusiasm. We just have to educate and apply that when it’s right to do it because away from home you take a point.”

The Pool boss was also frustrated by Tom Aldred’s booking in the fourth minute of added time for talking back to the referee.

Aldred, one of eight players to be booked at Whaddon Road, will now miss Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Kidderminster Harriers after picking up his fifth yellow of the season.

Bowyer added: “Some of the bookings and decisions were incredible but it is what it is. We just have to crack on with it.”