REACTION: Bowyer delighted with response to Easter defeats

Bowyer was delighted with his players' reaction to the back-to-back defeats over Easter

MATCH REPORT: Blackpool 5-0 Bradford City

The Seasiders put those two losses to Doncaster Rovers and Oldham respectively behind to record a superb 5-0 thrashing of Bradford City.

Three of the goals came from Nathan Delfouneso, while Viv Solomon-Otabor and Sean Longstaff also added their name to the scoresheet.

Bowyer was delighted with his side's performance, which takes Blackpool up to 15th and eight points clear of the League One dropzone.

He said: “We had a harsh meeting on Thursday to speak about the standards we have set and how it was time to focus and get back to running hard and playing with an intensity. We showed that today.

“Our boys deserve so much credit for their response. That’s what we spoke about on Thursday and Friday - we demanded a response from them. It wasn’t good enough over the Easter period.

“The intensity was there straight away. We’ve known all season we’re capable of producing performances like that, but we haven’t been ruthless enough in front of goal.

“But today Bradford we were. We were very, very clinical.”

The result was all-but confirmed at half-time with the Seasiders 3-0 ahead, but the Bantams did have a short 10 to 15 minute spell at the start of the second half.

Bowyer stressed the importance of weathering that storm.

He added: “We always knew there was going to be a reaction, a change in personnel and maybe a change in shape.

“They put a big lad on and went a little bit more direct so it was important for the first 15 minutes of the second half to see that out. We did that.

“Later on we started to settle down a little bit and got back to where we were performing.

“When the board went up for seven minutes of added time, Terry (McPhillips) said you can relax now.

“I was like, no chance, I want a clean sheet. That’s the standards we set and that’s what we’re about.

“I’m delighted for Joe (Lumley) because he was very assured again and claimed some high balls pumped into the box.

“The back four were terrific as well, very solid. It’s difficult to pick individuals out but I’ve just mentioned five there - but the two in front of them in Jimmy (Ryan) and Jay (Spearing) were great too - it was just a complete performance from the whole team.

“We’ve got to go again now. They’ve got to enjoy this win, don’t get me wrong, but Monday morning we’ve got to get going again.”