Cullen strikes back after '˜massive frustration' at Blackpool

Mark Cullen admits it has been 'massively frustrating' watching Blackpool from the sidelines this season.
Mark CullenMark Cullen
Mark Cullen

The striker, who came off the bench to score in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Stevenage, has struggled for minutes this season and has only three starts to his name in League Two.

That goal was only his second of the season and his first since August, and Cullen admits: “I’ve been massively frustrated.

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“If any footballer who isn’t playing tells you they’re not frustrated, then I think they’re lying.

“When you’re a player you want to be playing football matches and when you’re not it’s frustrating.”

The former Luton frontman was Blackpool’s top scorer last season though his nine goals couldn’t save the club from relegation.

But this season the 24-year-old has struggled to get ahead of Kyle Vassell, Jamille Matt and Armand Gnanduillet, who have 20 goals between them.

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He added: “I know it’s a cliché but you just have to keep working hard and keep trying to get a chance, and when it comes along try to take it.

“The lads are doing well. You have to hold your hand up sometimes and admit the gaffer can’t drop them, but you just have to be patient and take your chance.

“Hopefully I’ve done that and given the gaffer a bit of a headache this week.”

The striker’s late goal capped off what was a hard-fought win for Blackpool – it was their second goal in seven minutes after fellow substitute Bright Osayi-Samuel had opened the scoring.

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The three points lifted the Seasiders into the play-off spots and Cullen was delighted.

He said: “It’s a good atmosphere in the changing room. That was a tough game and we’ve done well to get the three points.

“It was very wet and a bit slippy, so you had to take care with everything you did and we did well to overcome those circumstances.

“Every time I come off the bench or play I want to do well and try to get a goal.

“It’s been a while since I last got one, so it was really pleasing.

“You’ve got to be ready for those type of mistakes to happen and get ready to punish them. Luckily I managed to put it in there.”