Give me the minutes and I'll get the goals, says Blackpool's Matt

The 25-year-old, who led the line in the 1-0 Checkatrade Trophy loss, has struggled for minutes since his summer move from neighbours Fleetwood on a two-year deal. He has found himself down the pecking order, Armand Gnanduillet and Kyle Vassell becoming manager Gary Bowyer’s preferred front two.

Matt admitted: “It’s been a frustrating start to my Blackpool career and Tuesday was my first real opportunity to get 90 minutes into my legs.

“The gaffer asked if I could manage 90 minutes and I didn’t see any reason why not. I’ve not had a chance to play, so it was a great opportunity for me.”

Matt’s previous six Pool appearances had all been off the bench and he added: “Training is day-to-day but the minutes you get in a match are completely different.

“The little sprints you do – you can’t replicate those in training, so it’s always good to get some minutes.

“There are other lads who haven’t had a chance to play either, so they have now got some minutes in their legs and I think that bodes well for the squad.”

Blackpool couldn’t cancel out Sammy Ameobi’s early goal at the Macron Stadium, despite creating a host of chances.

Matt said Ameobi’s strike, scored when Pool’s defence failed to clear a corner, was typical of the goals they have conceded this season.

He said: “I thought we were unlucky and created the better chances.

“On another day we probably would have been the winners.

“We’re disappointed with the goal. We said in the changing room that we’ve conceded poor goals this season. And that’s collectively, not just the defenders.

“It needs to stop because I think our performances have deserved more than we have been getting.”

Matt acknowledged that League One results have not been good enough and added: “When we click, like we did against Portsmouth, we can great results but we can’t do it one week and not follow it up the next.

“Every game we are looking to win because I don’t think there is anyone for us to fear in this division. When we play well we can beat anyone.

“We’ll definitely take not playing well as long as we get the three points, which is what we need to do.

“We keep playing OK or well but not getting the wins.

“On a personal level, I definitely think that first goal is just around the corner.

“Goals will come when I get minutes.”