REACTION: Hard work pays off for Pool boss Bowyer

Blackpool manager Gary Bowyer paid tribute to his players' efforts in their 2-0 win away at Portsmouth.
Clark Robertson heads past Luke McGee for Blackpool's second goalClark Robertson heads past Luke McGee for Blackpool's second goal
Clark Robertson heads past Luke McGee for Blackpool's second goal

The Seaisders extended their unbeaten run to five games with a well deserved three points at Fratton Park.

Goals in either half from Kyle Vassell and Clark Robertson were enough to see Blackpool extend the gap to the bottom four in League One to six points.

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Speaking post-match, Bowyer spoke of his delight at his side's display in what was their first win at Fratton Park since 1971.

“I thought it was a fabulous performance from us," he said.

“To come here and play in front of 17,500, to keep a clean sheet and score two very good goals and limit to them to only one shot on target, well the lads deserve a hell of a lot of credit for that.

“Their work rate was superb and it just shows you with hard work and organisation what can be achieved.

“You have to be organised against Kenny Jackett’s teams but we worked on getting Nathan Delfouneso free, and with the experience of Jimmy Ryan and Jay Spearing in there we had several opportunities to do that.

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“We just didn’t produce enough end product for the opportunities we created - first half especially.

“But we also had to be defensively right and I thought the goalkeeper was outstanding again in the way he came for crosses, collected it and remained calm.

“The back four - they won their headers against Oliver Hawkins and that’s difficult. The clearances were spot on all day.

“All over we worked extremely hard."

Bowyer also paid tribute to the 264 Blackpool supporters who made the 600-mile round trip from the Fylde coast to Fratton Park.

“The supporters were magnificent," he added.

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"It’s not the easiest of places to travel to and how many were here? 264? That’s a magnificent effort.

“We wanted to send them hope happy and it’s only right we recognise the effort they make.

“They were terrific for us and again, 264 in a 17,500 crowd, and yet we could hear them and that’s important to us.”

Bowyer also revealed Sean Longstaff missed today's game having taken a bang to his hip but hopes to have him back for next week's game against Northampton Town.