Cheltenham 2-2 Blackpool: Five things we learned

Blackpool FC writer Matt Scrafton takes a look at the key talking points from the Seasiders' 2-2 draw against Cheltenham on Saturday.
Goalscorer Kyle VassellGoalscorer Kyle Vassell
Goalscorer Kyle Vassell

Kyle Vassell needs a dancing partner

His brace elevates the striker above Potts in Blackpool's scoring charts. Not only is he provoiding crucial goals at crucial times, but his all-round performances are impressing every week. He can score with either foot and his link-up play is proving a real asset for his side. The manner in which he drops into the gaps between the midfield and defence to collect the ball and then burst forward has proved dividends on several occasions this season already. But the 24-year-old can't do it on his own. He needs a strike partner who is going to chip in with the goals, but Armand Gnanduillet has just three while Jamille Matt is yet to get off the mark for his new side.

Bowyer can't praise the opposition goalkeeper every week

Cheltenhem 'keeper Russell Griffiths undoubtedly had an impressive game against Blackpool, making a series of stops to keep the visitors at bay. In the first half alone he made two stunning saves from Kyle Vassell and Jamille Matt respectively. But this isn't the first time the opposition goalkeeper has impressed against Blackpool, which suggests to me Gary Bowyer's men need to do far better in front of goal. Be clinical with your finishing and you'll take the goalkeeper out of the equation.

Will back-to-back wins ever come?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

For a side that is creating as many clear-cut opportunities as Blackpool, it beggars belief that Bowyer's side have yet to record two consecutive wins this season. Recent statistics show, with the chances created and conceded, Blackpool should be around 7th in the league. But they're not, they're 15th and still only three points above the relegation zone. Blackpool should have beaten Plymouth, who are top, Carlisle, who are second, and they did beat Doncaster, who are third. Yet when they come up against the likes of Cambridge, Colchester and Cheltenham, they're left wanting.

Defensive headaches for Bowyer

It is not only in front of goal where Blackpool are lacking. Prior to Saturday's game, Gary Bowyer would have known all about Gary Johnson's Cheltenham. They are a physical side who like to play direct and get the ball in the box from all directions. Yet they gave away sloppy free kicks and corners which gave the Robins chance after chance to put the Seasiders under pressure. The first goal, an unfortunate Danny Pugh own goal, came from a needless free kick while the second was a simple ball into the box which Blackpool failed to defend. Not only that, Clark Robertson played Danny Wright onside before the Cheltenham striker took a touch to settle himself before slotting home.

Aldred's suspension came at the right time

Tom Aldred found his name being written into the referee's book in the fourth and final minute of injury time on Saturday, which means he will be suspended for next weekend's FA Cup tie against Kidderminster after picking up his fifth yellow of the season. It was a bizarre way to get booked - to chat back to the referee in the final seconds of the game - but it may come at a good time for Blackpool. The likelihood is it will give Will Aimson a chance to shine against Kidderminster, but it will also allow Aldred to get some priceless rest after being an ever-present for Blackpool in the league so far this season.