Bowyer calls for Blackpool to be clinical

Saturday saw the Seasiders post a 1-0 victory against AFC Wimbledon at Bloomfield Road by way of a fourth goal in consecutive appearances from Sean Longstaff.

Although it wasn’t a performance which hit some of the heights seen previously, it was still a win which could have been more emphatic.

Kyle Vassell, Nathan Delfouneso, Clark Robertson, Callum Cooke and Viv Solomon-Otabor could all have put the game to bed inside the final quarter-hour but failed to take advantage of their opportunities.

Pool could have trailed at half-time but for a crucial save from Ryan Allsop to deny Cody McDonald seconds before the break.

Bowyer said: “I was very impressed with a different type of performance from us.

“A good, well organised side stopped us playing a little bit. I said at half-time we were getting frustrated a little.

“They had the chance to score but it was a wonderful save from Ryan.

“We spoke about stretching the game but credit to them because they stepped up to the plate.

“We were very good on the counter-attack and still have some pace and power, even with the departure of Bright (Osayi-Samuel), but we need to put those chances to bed.”

If anything, the more impressive performances came at the other end of the pitch.

Allsop’s key save helped Pool record a second clean sheet of the season but, in front of him, Robertson and Curtis Tilt were the standout performers.

In addition to shooting wide late on, Robertson enjoyed a running battle throughout with McDonald.

Tilt (pictured) was moved from his position on the left side of defence to the right where his pace came in handy against Lyle Taylor.

He also showed his ability to step out from the back and move forward in continuing his seamless transition from non-league to League One football.

Bowyer said: “The rest of the back four, like Oliver Turton and Colin Daniel, were terrific but the two centre-halves were outstanding.

“They made sure, after that first chance, that they limited Wimbledon.”

Moments after Longstaff gave the Seasiders a 52nd- minute lead, they were given a numerical advantage when Dons midfielder Jimmy Abdou was dismissed.

He was handed a straight red card for what referee Carl Boyeson deemed a two-footed challenge on Callum Cooke.

Though his players benefited from that decision, Bowyer wasn’t so sure the punishment merited the crime.

“The game’s changed, hasn’t it?” Bowyer said. “Back in the day that’s probably a great challenge but it all gets highlighted now with the ex-referees analysing.

“It’s the letter of the law and I suppose it may be a sending- off.”