Home form gives Blackpool boss Grayson cause for concern

Posted Friday, December 27, 2019 by PA

Simon Grayson expressed concern at Blackpool’s home form after they were beaten 1-0 by Accrington.

Having lost by the same scoreline to Shrewsbury last time out, Sean McConville’s injury-time winner condemned the Seasiders to a second loss in five days at Bloomfield Road.

With Sullay Kaikai’s disallowed first-half effort the closest they came, former Leeds chief Grayson conceded his players have flattered to deceive over the festive season.

“We haven’t shown enough quality at home and we don’t ask enough questions of the opposition,” said Grayson.

“We’ve got to be better with the ball at the top end of the pitch because we aren’t going to score goals and win matches if we’re not.

“I don’t like losing any matches, and losing back-to-back and not scoring any goals is worrying.

“We’ve done okay in both the games, started well then not got goals when we’ve been on top, and that does play a big part.

“Their goal certainly was a sucker punch. Their goalkeeper hardly had a save to make before the goal. It was a scrappy game.

“I thought we started the game well and got off the front foot, but it’s all about trying to get that first goal, especially when you’re the home team and teams are trying to hit you on the counter attack.”

It should have been Stanley who drew first blood as Offrande Zanzala fluffed his lines when clean through on goal, the first half ending goalless.

Blackpool toiled in the final third, and their day was not improved when goalkeeper Jak Alnwick pulled up injured and was replaced by debutant Jack Sims.

McConville’s expertly guided header deep in injury time saw the Seasiders slip three places to 10th, while Stanley extended their unbeaten run to five league games.

John Coleman was delighted to earn a first away league win since September but acknowledged his side were fortunate.

“It’s always nice to score late on and get a win,” said Coleman.

“It was a hard-fought game, both teams had chances and played in a good spirit.

“The atmosphere was really good, I thought our fans were magnificent and never stopped singing all day and I’m pleased to get the win for them.

“Sean’s got that knack of popping up at the right time and getting a goal.

“He doesn’t score as much with his head as he probably should, but here he’s finished the ball off really well and it was a great goal.

“I do feel for Simon, I think a draw would’ve been a fair result given the balance of play, but plenty of times before we’ve been the better side and not got the result.”