Stevenage boss: We left it too late to get going

Their nine-game unbeaten run, which had included eight wins, was brought to an end at Bloomfield Road courtesy of Mark Cullen's first half penalty.

Stevenage were very much second best in the first half but saw more of the ball in the second period, but the damage had already been done and they were frustrated by Pool's stubborn defending.

"Recently we've started games brilliantly but I think we left it a little bit too late tonight," he said.

"I don't think we started too well and once you go 1-0 down, it's catch up from then on and we know that because we've done it to so many sides of late.

"We had a couple of chances towards the end but let's not forget, even though Blackpool had some chances of their own, we've missed an open goal from three yards.

"I thought we were the better side second half but I think it's such a compliment to our players that they played 4-5-1. When Stevenage come to Blackpool and they use a strategy like that, and it was used well so I'm not bitter, that's testament to the players' growth and performance levels.

"We found it tough to break the back four and the five in midfield. We had a few oohs and aahs but I thought the players defied tiredness and fatigue that was evident from Saturday, which probably took a bit out of us.

"I'm pleased with how they responded to the penalty and I don't think there's too much to be too downbeat about."