Printer-friendly pageMonday, March 10, 2008
There are times, all too frequent times, when you wonder whether travelling to watch Saints is worth the while. The question is rarely asked even before kick off - but the expedition to Blackpool's Bloomfield Road certainly falls into that category. Indeed, sanity was questioned when the forecast heavy rain appeared almost as soon as the appointed time came to leave a pre-match hostelry, and then again when the promised uncovered seating proved to be in the teeth of a howling gale.
With Poke making his full debut in goal, a good start was vital to keep confidence high, and Saints produced an assured opening until eventually the rain eased and Blackpool finally began to threaten - so much so that it need a brilliant Poke save to keep the scores level.
Then Saganowski fed John who forced a trip in the area and Vignal found his favourite corner from the spot.
It is usually accepted that things are easier with the wind behind you, but that may not have been the case at this stupid two sided ground. Sure enough, Saints found the open end difficult to defend, and a swirling long throw straight after the break resulted in Southern heading the equaliser.
It got worse when the defence failed to head clear and Gorkss shot through, and probably via, a crowd of players for Blackpool's second. With Davies soon stretchered off in some distress, the team were up against it, but a Licka corner caused havoc until John put everyone out of their misery by firing home.
Saints tried McGoldrick and Wright-Phillips up front for the final phase of the game, but the ploy failed with neither making a significant contribution to our cause, while BWP presented Blackpool with a series of free kicks for offsides and hand balls.
LSSC Man of the Match: Jason Euell - although his first half was better than his second
Nigel Pearson:
"I feel frustrated. This is a difficult place to come, Blackpool make full use of their home advantage.
"We have had four draws in a row and we need to start turning these into wins. An early goal would help tremendously.
"This club needs a reality check. Let there be no mistake, we are still pretty close to a relegation scrap."
Blackpool: Rachubka, Barker, Gorkss, Evatt, Crainey, Taylor-Fletcher (Morrell 87), Southern, Jorgensen (Flynn 68), Hoolahan, Dickov (Burgess 68), McPhee.
Subs Not Used: Coid, Welsh.
Booked: Taylor-Fletcher.
Goals: Southern 49, Gorkss 55.
Southampton: Poke, Wright, Davies (Ostlund 59), Thomas, Vignal, Viafara, Safri, Euell, Licka, John (McGoldrick 73), Saganowski (Wright-Phillips 72).
Subs Not Used: Hammill, Gillett.
Goals: Vignal 31 pen, John 63.
Att: 9,050
Ref: David Foster (Tyne & Wear).
