A point against Cambridge courtesy of Andy Taylor's injury-time free-kick was the least Blackpool deserved, according to manager Gary Bowyer.

Draw was least Blackpool deserved says Bowyer
Andy Taylor celebrates his goal with Kyle VassellAndy Taylor celebrates his goal with Kyle Vassell
Andy Taylor celebrates his goal with Kyle Vassell

The left-back’s stunning curler ensured the Seasiders didn’t suffer a third defeat in eight days as they battled bravely for a 1-1 draw at Bloomfield Road which lifted them to 15th in League Two.

The last-ditch equaliser mirrored an equally good set-piece from Luke Berry, whose 30-yard effort gave Cambridge a first-half lead.

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After witnessing his side grab a dramatic point in the final moment, Bowyer felt they deserved more.

The Pool boss said: “I was encouraged with how we have gone right to the end.

“We had a wonderful volley from Kelvin Mellor. If that was the other way round it would probably have gone in off the underside of the bar.

“Fair play to the players, they stuck at it. The crowd stuck with us as well and that was important. We finally got the equaliser, which was the minimum I thought we deserved.”

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Prior to Taylor’s free-kick, Pool had wasted a golden chance to pull level when the out-of-form Danny Philliskirk hit a penalty for handball straight at keeper Will Norris.

Amazingly, it was Norris’ third save from the spot in two games and his fifth of the campaign.

“It was another frustrating game,” Bowyer added. “We started ever so well and their goalie’s made a really good save from Kyle Vassell.

“And then we find ourselves 1-0 down from a wonder strike.

“We then miss a penalty, which is just how things are going for us at the minute.

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“We had over 58 per cent possession, chances at goal in double figures again and corners galore, so we’ll just keep working and doing the right thing.”

Stand-in skipper Taylor drew praise from his manager despite an under-par display in defence.

The Pool boss said: “It was a beautiful goal. Andy stood up to the challenge in the last minute, took the responsibility and bent it in beautifully. I’m delighted for him.

“I feel the players showed an enormous amount of character and spirit because when you have spells when you are playing well and creating chances but not getting the wins, you can feel sorry for yourselves and go under. But that hasn’t happened.”

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Bowyer also paid tribute to academy product Myles Boney, who made his league debut in goal after Dean Lyness hobbled off with what appeared to be an ankle injury 20 minutes from time.

Bowyer said: “Dean is off to hospital, so fingers crossed for him, but I was delighted for Myles. I had full confidence in him. He’s only 18 and I thought he looked assured.”