Blackpool 2, Lincoln City 2
Michael Skubala was frustrated to see his side only come away from Bloomfield Road with one point on Saturday and felt fine margins prevented City from claiming a third straight league win.
The Imps were pegged back by Blackpool in a match which finished 2-2, and the head coach felt his side should have taken one of the chances they created before the Seasiders’ equaliser.
He said: “The lads executed the gameplan well, but the game was decided on moments and we’re frustrated at what we see as two points dropped.
“That’s not because these are a bad side - far from it - but as we had complete control and our plan was working well.
Jack Moylan and Rob Street had given City a two-goal advantage, before Lee Evans pulled one back from the spot for the hosts. The assistant's flag ruled out Adam Reach and Freddie Draper efforts for offside, as the visitors looked to stretch their lead, before Ashley Fletcher's late equaliser ensured the points were shared.
The home side went into the game with confidence and were looking for a third straight win under new manager Ian Evatt, following their 4-1 Emirates FA Cup victory over Carlisle United last weekend and 3-0 success at Rotherham United on Wednesday night.
It was no surprise, therefore, that the Seasiders came out with a real sense of urgency and belief - but having started with some slick play, they found themselves behind in just the second minute after some quick thinking from the Imps.
Goalkeeper George Wickens came up to take a free-kick and, as the home side were still getting into defensive shape, played a quick curling pass down the right to find the run of Moylan. The Irishman cut inside from the right byline and calmly curled the ball into the far left corner.
That burst Blackpool’s bubble and set the tone for the half and the second goal felt inevitable. It came after 18 minutes and it was no surprise that Moylan was again involved. He got away into the left of the area, but on this occasion he was held up by Michael Ihiekwe - his stabbed clearance stopped Moylan, but Street was waiting in the space left towards the edge of the area and, after taking a touch, he tried a right-footed shot which again found its way into a top corner. On this occasion he was aided by a deflection off Evans which left Peacock-Farrell stranded.
The home side were given a route back into the match after 33 minutes when Fletcher was fouled in the area. Evans stood up to take the penalty kick, calmly finishing with a low effort to the left.
The home side equalised after 84 minutes, and there was frustration after Wickens initially did well to push away Fletcher's snapshot, but with the home side committing plenty of men forward the ball was recycled quickly and Fletcher scored at the second attempt.
Skubala added: “I thought we were good at the start of the second half and were very close to getting the third goal which would have killed off the game.
“We’re disappointed to concede an unlucky and soft goal at the end, but I’m actually pleased with the way we played. We see it as two points dropped but when we look back on Monday we’ll see it as a good point.”
The point leaves City third in the Sky Bet League One table and sets up a mouthwatering clash next weekend when leaders Cardiff City make the trip to Lincolnshire.
Skubala added: “That’s going to be a big game and we’re going to need the fans right behind us as our 12th man. They were amazing again here and can really help us this season.”
Attendance: 9,227
Pictures: Vaughan Photography
