POOL Manager Steve McMahon praised the side for their work rate and commitment but criticised "naive defending" as the Seasiders lost out to an injury time winner at Peterborough Utd.
The Seasiders had taken an early 2-0 lead in the second half but after number of injuries to key players, Pool collapsed and were eventually beaten by Leon Mackenzie's late strike.
But McMahon wasnt too downhearted and told the clubs official website, I really feel for the players, they put in a lot of hard work and commitment to try and get a point under very, very difficult circumstances, said McMahon. The Pool boss also bemoaned the injuries that have depleted his squad. "We've got injuries galore which has meant that I've had to put Jamie Burns on the bench today who is a 16 year old, I've only got 15 fit players and that includes 2 keepers plus we've picked up more injuries today"
It all looked so different at 3:30 when after half an hour of play, Blackpool were 2-0 up and cruising. Brett Ormerod was instrumental in the first goal on 7 minutes, crossing for John OKane to head Pools opener. Then it was John Murphys turn to provide Paul Simpson who finished off what was a good move to put Pool 2-0 ahead.
However despite Pools dominance of the rest of the half Peterborough grabbed a crucial goal back before half time. Leon Mackenzie had threatened to score several times from when he was brought on for the injured Helgi Danielsson on 22 minutes. And he finally did 10 minutes before half time when he beat James Pullen with a low shot to the far post.
With John Murphy already off injured in the first half, Steve McMahon had to bring defender Stephen Caldwell off as well. The on-loan defender was replaced by young Phil Thompson 5 minutes into the second half. To make matters worse Peterborough equalised just 2 minutes later through Tommy Williams excellent 25-yarder.
Brian Reid was taken off on 84 minutes leaving Pool with only one natural central defender on the field. But just as it looked like Blackpool had grabbed a well deserved point, up stepped Leon Mackenzie to score that late goal and send the Seasiders back to Bloomfield Road empty handed.
RESULT: Peterborough 3-2 Blackpool
Mackenzie (36, 90), Williams (51)
OKane (8), Simpson (15)
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