Blackpool 0-1 Ipswich Town - Match Report

Last updated : 08 November 2008 By Site Editor
The former Plymouth Argyle midfielder's first-half strike just before the interval proved the difference between the two sides in a difficult game at Bloomfield Road.

In a game that lacked quality for long spells, it was Town that left with three well deserved points to take back to Suffolk from a game where Blackpool just weren't at the races.

The Seasiders could have been ahead after just 90 seconds when a Claus Jorgensen free-kick found skipper Rob Edwards unmarked at the back post. His headed effort beat the keeper but ended on the roof of the net.

In a scrappy first half that was the pick of the chances for the home side, who allowed Town to mount wave after wave of attacks to excert pressure on the Blackpool back line.

Simon Grayson's men began to take control after half an hour, although they couldn't find the final touch to break down a determined defensive showing from Town.

David Norris fired Town ahead on 42 minutes, rifiling home a low strike, his second for the club, amid confusion in the Blackpool penalty area to give his side the lead going into the interval.

The home side looked to hit back immediately to level terms and Ben Burgess beat keeper Richard Wright in the air only to see the flag raised with the linesman having judged Burgress as in an offside position.

That seemed to be the order of the day for the home side, who found it difficult for much of the game and struggled to create anything amid a sturdy midfield.

Ipswich substitute Jon Stead, surprinsgly left out of the starting eleven following last weeks brace against QPR, almost doubled the lead ten minutes from time with a well hit lob which was thwarted only by the crossbar.

Two minutes later, Pool matched that attempt like for like as Gary Taylor-Fletcher crashed his header onto the bar at the other end much to the relief of the travelling Blue Army