James Husband nets late winner as Steve Bruce handed debut victory at Blackpool

Posted Sunday, September 15, 2024 by PA

James Husband scored a last-gasp winner to give Steve Bruce victory in his first game in charge of Blackpool as they beat Exeter 2-1 in League One.

CJ Hamilton had hit what had looked like being the winner for the hosts after 20 minutes, netting after a throw-in was not dealt with by the Exeter defence.

Two minutes from time, Ed Francis curled a superb free-kick into the top corner from a tight angle and it looked like the visitors would escape with a point.

But captain Husband pounced in stoppage time to secure the Seasiders’ first win of the League One season and they moved up to 19th as a result.

The sides had been evenly matched early on but, moments after Hamilton’s opening goal, Dom Ballard was denied by a sharp save from Grecians goalkeeper Joe Whitworth.

Exeter began to create chances and a neat move 10 minutes before the break saw Kamari Doyle thwarted by Harry Tyrer. And shortly before half-time, Jack Aitchison’s diving header from Josh Magennis’ cross sailed narrowly wide.

But it was Blackpool looking the more dangerous side and Whitworth produced good stops from Rob Apter and Ballard to keep his side in the game.

The chances dried up somewhat in the second half, though Exeter went close through Ilmari Niskanen, who cleared the crossbar after Aitchison’s shot had been blocked.

Tyrer made an excellent save from Reece Cole’s shot seven minutes from time, but Francis’ fine finish after 88 minutes looked like is could rescued a point.

Then, after Jordan Rhodes sent a dangerous ball into the box, Husband forced in a dramatic winner at point-blank range.