New keeper setback for Bowyer

Blackpool boss Gary Bowyer has been left cursing his side's luck this season after confirming goalkeeper Dean Lyness could be out for a 'number of weeks'.
Dean LynessDean Lyness
Dean Lyness

The 25-year-old hobbled off during the Seasiders’ 1-1 home draw with Cambridge United last Saturday, having fallen awkwardly after making a save.

With Bowyer’s number one Sam Slocombe also sidelined with injury, Lyness had to be replaced by teenager Myles Boney, who came on for his League debut.

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Bowyer has revealed that Slocombe is back in training, though Lyness faces a lengthy spell out with ankle ligament damage.

The Pool boss said this latest injury setback is typical of the club’s season so far.

“As he (Lyness) made the save, he wanted to get up quickly and get the ball in play. And as he did that, he turned on his ankle,” Bowyer said.

“It’s a shame for the boy because he got into the side as a result of Sam’s injury and he was beginning to stake a claim for himself.

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“It’s quite ironic because in the last four games I’ve had to change two goalkeepers through injuries. It’s unheard of really.

“And then in the other two games I’ve had to make substitutions in the first half, so we’re just having that type of spell at the minute.”

Lyness suffered his injury while Slocombe was out with a groin injury sustained during the 1-1 draw at Crewe last month.

However, Bowyer is hopeful that Slocombe will be in contention for tomorrow’s game at Accrington.

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While Bowyer remains frustrated with his team’s wastefulness in front of goal, he is full of praise for their fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude.

He added: “With some of the things that are happening to us at this moment in time, if you are a neutral it’s quite funny; but if you’re involved in it, it’s not.

“We’ve had to make substitutions we didn’t see coming, we’ve missed two penalties and we’ve conceded goals where it’s hit the bar and dropped to their lad while the goalie is in the back of the net. That’s just the way it’s gone.

“That said, our players have shown an enormous amount of spirit and character. Against Cambridge they found themselves 1-0 down to a wonder goal but they stuck at it.

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“To score in the last minute tells you a lot about teams and tells you a lot about people. That’s been the really massive positive for me – this lot don’t know when they are beaten.

“In training we’ve got a lot of people working at a high level. I want players to come and knock on my door if they’re frustrated.

“If they’re sat there happy that they are a sub or not in the squad, then they’re not really the type for me.”

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