“It’s going to be a big challenge on Saturday”: Blackpool wing-back looks to back up Tuesday's three points
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Blackpool wing-back has identified where he could improve despite starring for the Seasiders in midweek.
Ilmari Niskanen maintains he has room for improvement despite a starring role in Blackpool’s return to winning ways on Tuesday.
The Finnish wing-back made his first League One start of the season and contributed a man-of-the-match display as the Seasiders defeated MK Dons 2-0 at Bloomfield Road.
He gave Ian Evatt’s players an attacking outlet down the left-hand side, coming close to scoring in the first half and giving the Dons’ defence a headache with his willingness to run at them.
However, Niskanen wasn’t entirely satisfied with his evening’s work.
He said: “I love running, tackling, being physical. At the same time, I know I can be better on the ball.
“Second half, I managed to get behind the defence but couldn’t find the final pass.
“That needs to be better, I know I’m capable of that, but the most important thing is the team got the three points.”
Second-half goals from Karoy Anderson and Dale Taylor gave Blackpool their first league victory since the end of August.
It lifted the Seasiders three places to 17th in the table ahead of Saturday’s home game with Mansfield Town.
They are four points and six places ahead of Blackpool, having extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a midweek win at AFC Wimbledon.
Niskanen added: “We need to take the positives, the good feeling from tonight.
“At the same time, it’s going to be a big challenge on Saturday.
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“We know we can play better than we did today.
“First half, there were some great moments in transition but we were a bit too loose on the ball.
“The way we defended, the way we fought for each other, it’s the same as we need to do on Saturday.
“It’s going to be hugely important to back this result up with another three points on Saturday.”