Philliskirk: Blackpool will stay up but Doncaster game is key

Four points from the last two games have boosted Pool’s survival hopes but defeat at the Keepmoat would dump them back into the League One drop zone.

Victory, however, would lift Neil McDonald’s side into 19th place, above neighbours Fleetwood, and could see a four-point gap open up between Pool and the bottom four if Chesterfield were to win at Oldham.

Pool will have played one or two matches more than all their relegation rivals after today’s fixtures but Philliskirk is convinced they have what it takes to avoid back-to-back relegations.

“We believe we have enough to survive,” said the former Oldham striker.

“We are a young group, who are all learning, but we’ve come through two difficult games with four points.

“Bring on Doncaster – it’s a game we want to go and win now. We know how big this game is and we’ll be up for it.”

Philliskirk’s penalty earned Blackpool a point at home to Bury on Friday, though many felt they should have won.

The last two matches have seen a much-needed improvement after Pool managed just two points from their previous eight games and looked doomed.

But Philliskirk hopes the corner has been turned. He said: “Considering the position we were in, four points from two games is a good return. Doncaster is a massive game for us now.

“We thought we should have won on Friday. You’re always disappointed when you go ahead and don’t win it. To concede so quickly (two minutes) after scoring is always a blow. People will look at the table but we can only focus on what we are doing.

“It’s key that we stick together in the dressing room. If we do that, we can go to Doncaster and get a result.”

Should Pool earn a penalty today, expect to see Philliskirk racing to grab the ball.

Friday’s spot-kick was his second for the club, though he admits he’s often allowed the responsibility to go elsewhere.

He explained: “I grabbed the ball as quickly as I could on Friday, especially with Jack Redshaw not on the pitch.

“I’ve let Jack take them because he has all season but I’ll be grabbing the ball as quickly as I can now!”