Appleton suffers opening loss against Blackpool

Posted Saturday, September 28, 2019 by PA

Michael Appleton’s first game as Lincoln manager ended in a 2-1 defeat to his former club Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

Appleton – who had an 11-game spell as Seasiders boss in 2012-13 – replaced Danny Cowley after his departure to Huddersfield and watched on as his new side were thrashed 6-0 at home to Oxford last weekend.

The Imps’ defensive woes continued during a frantic opening 25 minutes.

Blackpool took the lead after 11 minutes. Liam Feeney notched his ninth assist of the season as his low ball found Sean Scannell, who lashed it first-time into the top corner.

And it was 2-0 after 21 minutes when Jordan Thompson danced his way through before curling a wonderful finish into the far corner – after another assist for Feeney.

Lincoln responded superbly through Jack Payne, who arrived late in the box to smash in a low cross from 12 yards and halve the deficit three minutes later.

The visitors were indebted to goalkeeper Josh Vickers as his superb save after 66 minutes denied Thompson a second.

But Appleton’s men will rue missed chances to level, with Tyler Walker twice missing from close range and Jason Shackell heading wide from a free-kick.