Blackpool fall to another pre season defeat.
By Paddy
August 4 2008
Blackpool's only home friendly of the campaign ended in another defeat. It was a chance for the fans to see new signings such as Adam Hammill, Jermaine Wright and Marlon Broomes, but the men from north of the border came away with another boost ahead of their season with a good victory against their Championship opposition.
Blackpool trialists John Halls and Steven Pressley made the starting line up, giving Simon Grayson a chance to asses them before deciding on whether to offer them contracts. Pressley partnered Marlon Broomes in the middle of defence, while Halls played at right back wtih Joe Martin on the opposite side. Jermaine Wright played in the middle with Keith Southern and Liverpool loanee Adam Hammill played on the left, with Grayson testing Gary Taylor-Fletcher up front with Ben Burgess.
It was Taylor Fletcher who had the first chance when he had an effort saved by the goalkeeper, and he then latched onto a Ben Burgess flick but shot wide. Burgess continued to be a threat, winning headers and moving well, showing strength and fitness that he was lacking last season.
Adam Hammill was proving to be a creative spark on the wing, and it was his cross which brought the best chance of the half, picking out Burgess but the big man couldn't quite finish. Danny Coid fired over, and then it was down to Joe Martin saved Pool as Stephen O'Donnell was denied by his magnificent saving tackle.
Just before the half time whistle Keith Southern converted a Hammill cross, only to turn and see the flag up. At half time, Martin was forced to withdraw, and Faroe Island international Claus Jorgensen replaced him, with Danny Coid moving to full back.
St. Mirren were the team who started the second half brightly, and they did what Blackpool couldn't do, which was to score. An inswinging cross was met on the half volley by a Spanish trialist, who calmy stroked it past Paul Rachubka, and Pool were behind.
Pool's quest for a quick equaliser started with John Halls threading through Taylor Fletcher, but he shot wide with the aid of a deflection, and Ben Burgess shook the crossbar with a fearsome header form a Jorgensen cross.
Blackpool were then caught on the break, as time ticked over into stoppage time, St. Mirren made it safe through Dennis Wyness, who scored with a tap in.
Blackpool's only home friendly turned out to be a dissapointing result, but a decent enough performance, but with the opening day edging ever closer, Pool would have loved to give their fans something the cheer about before the Bristol City game.
One thing for sure though - it will sort out all the part time supporters. I also think that is why we have not sold so many season tickets because people know we are in for some batterings.
But saying that we have the magical Larry who might just surprise us. All said an done though - is'nt it going to be one hell of a ride so buckle up and get ready. Yahoo.
<At the moment both teams should be realistic and consolidate in the Championship. Pool can only go from strength to strength. I believe we have the best manager in the Championship. Who knows what he could acheive if he had load of cash to spend.
As for Wolves - you are not the team you once were. Now you sit below WBA- Villa - Stoke and level with Brum but sadly only just above Walsall.You like us need to get thing sorted.
Cheers