Lyness impressed with Pool's strength in depth

That’s according to Pool goalkeeper Dean Lyness, who came into the side for the Seasiders’ penalty shoot-out win at Doncaster in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday.

The keeper was one of 10 changes from the side that beat Brackley Town in the FA Cup three days earlier, but Lyness said the changes made little difference.

He said: “We’ve almost got two different 11s. We’ve made a lot of changes and it just proves the strength in depth we’ve got.

“We’ve had a lot of games in the last few weeks and that’s what it is like in League Two – it’s relentless.

“But we’re obviously doing well in the cup competitions as well, so credit to the boys – they all turned up and did the job.”

The Seasiders squandered a host of chances in a dominant first half at Doncaster, where they led through Armand Gnanduillet’s strike but were pegged back after the break.

Lyness added: “We’re delighted to get through. I thought we were excellent, especially in the first half.

“We came under a bit of pressure in the second half but it was great to get the job done in the end.”

Lyness played a pivotal role in the shoot-out win, saving two before Luke Higham stuck his penalty away to ensure an 8-7 win.

The keeper joked: “I was fuming – I should have saved about five, I think, but fortunately the boys helped me out.

“I felt I could have done a bit better with a couple of them. If you go the right way you’ve got a chance, but it’s just the luck of the draw.

“I almost got to a couple but luckily I got the one at the end.”

It was Lyness’ appearance since the 1-1 draw against Cambridge in October, when he hobbled off with an ankle injury.

Another to return was striker Jack Redshaw, whose 20-minute cameo was his first appearance of the season.

Lyness said: “It was brilliant to see Jack back. I’ve been out myself for six weeks, so I know exactly what he’s been going through, although he’s been going through it a lot longer.”

Today’s 11.30am draw for round three of the Checkatrade Trophy will be broadcast live on Sky Sports News.