Grayson relieved as Blackpool take first victory of 2020

Posted Sunday, February 09, 2020 by PA

The result was all that mattered for Blackpool boss Simon Grayson after his side finally picked up their first win of 2020 with a 2-1 victory at home to struggling Southend.

A goal in each half for top scorer Armand Gnanduillet secured a vital three points for Blackpool, as the Shrimpers slip into deeper relegation trouble despite Stephen McLaughlin’s late strike.

“Based on our recent run, I am pleased to get this result,” said Grayson.

“We wanted to win today, no matter how we got it, and we have done just that.

“I thought we played well in certain parts of the game, but when they score a fantastic goal like they did at the end, you start to think are they going to nick a draw here.

“I am glad to get three points at the end and break the poor run of form that we have been on recently.

“Some of the football we played today does not match the results we have been getting, but the players have kept up their confidence levels and we know that we have played well in the past.

“We are pleased with the players we brought into the club in January, and we saw some excellent stuff from Connor Ronan and Kieran Dewsbury-Hall today.”

Southend enjoyed the better chances in a slow opening half hour at Bloomfield Road as Sam Barratt forced a diving save from keeper Chris Maxwell.

Despite showing little attacking intent in the first half the Seasiders edged in front after 37 minutes as Gnanduillet got in front of his man to nod home Liam Feeney’s cross.

Blackpool looked to have made the points safe after 64 minutes as Gnanduillet tucked home from the penalty spot after a foul on substitute Nathan Delfouneso.

But Sol Campbell’s side showed real grit in the closing stages as McLaughlin fired home a spectacular 25-yard effort with 72 minutes gone.

The visitors almost stole a dramatic point in added time but McLaughlin volleyed a deep corner just wide of the post.

Campbell said: “If we could have started how we did in the second half in the first half then I think it would have been a different game and we could’ve got something out of it.

“In the first half we didn’t win any second balls and we were lethargic in our play, and Blackpool took their chance to score.

“I have to give credit to Stephen McLaughlin for the goal, it was a fantastic strike for our goal. He did have a good chance to score in the first half, to put us in the lead.

“If that goal goes in then maybe this is a different game, as goals do change games, and we know that.

“The result is disappointing of course, but the signs of our second-half performance give confidence moving forward.”