Blackpool Post Match Thoughts

[Brin]

Stand out point for me yesterday was WIDTH. When was the last time we played it out wide to very good effect like yesterday? The link up play between James/Powell was at times sublime. Powell's free reign in midfield was helped immensely by Kelly who had a storming game, albeit he faded later on and why not after the effort he put in.

The crossing of the ball has also vastly improved, obviously been worked on.

You can name a raft of players who looked like they deserved MOTM as the effort they put in was very commendable. I was looking at Kelly's game play and the amount of times he commanded the middle, playing off simple, short, on the floor passes to move us forward. It was great to see 8/10.

Powell, his free reign aided by Kelly was probably his best ever to date, He was simply everywhere, you can only imagine what amount of ground he covered. He was as they say, unplayable, 8/10. That role suited him very well but will Matt use the same set up again?

James - from back to middle to front down the left again, probably his best game to date and some of his crosses were sent in to great effect. 8/10.

Sibley - Now this lad, and he'll know it himself, put himself well and truly in the shop window yesterday. He has 1 year left on his contract for next season when he returns to Oxford so, unless we get to loan him again, we'll have to stump up a fee for him, that's if Hammy has seen enough of him to make a decision over him.

His no nonsense rock hard challenges/tackling were akin to Tony Grealish but, not as damaging! It's also a pity he didn't get to score like others have pointed out. We need someone like him to get into the opposition's face' and break the play up. His overall commitment throughout the game had loads talking about him who were sat near me. A definite MOTM award and thoroughly deserved 9/10.

Dawson - The sheer size of him should make him more commanding in his area but he doesn't apply himself so. He tends to palm a cross away rather than punch it, even sometimes when he should be catching them. It's near the season end but to be honest, I'd move him on close season if we can. Philips I think is the better of the two but as a number two for us. My opinion I know and others will view it differently and I respect that.

As a team, they worked damn hard even when Blackpool took control of the second half. We never gave up and when it was called for, we took it to them again and we all know how that finished. A welcome goal indeed followed by a giddy kids 'Christmas morning' dance from Rafferty such was his delight at not only scoring but bagging a very late goal/winner. Team 8/10.