Defeat in Blackpool...
Stevenage travelled to the Northwest of England to face Blackpool for just the third time in history as they searched for a big victory in League One. The gaffer made four changes from last weekend’s win over Wigan as Ben Thompson, Nathan Thompson, Nick Freeman and Jamie Reid returned to the starting eleven.
It was Taye Ashby-Hammond to start between the sticks behind a back five of Nick Freeman, Terence Vancooten, Nathan Thompson, Carl Piergianni and Jake Forster-Caskey from right to left. A midfield duo of Ben Thompson and Louis Thompson sat behind Jordan Roberts who had the freedom to float behind Jamie Reid and Aaron Pressley up top.
The weather conditions were nothing short of horrible as kick off approached, but nevertheless Boro looked hungry for a fight against the former Premier League outfit
Stevenage created their first real chance of the game ten minutes in as Jamie Reid picked up the ball from range and tried his luck with a powerful effort which stung the hands of Blackpool’s Dan Grimshaw.
The Tangerines looked to ask questions of the Stevenage defence soon after, with Jordan Rhodes looking to take the lead before being denied by a superb Terence Vancooten block.
After just twenty-five minutes, Boro were forced into their first change as Nathan Thompson was unable to continue, with Finley Burns replacing him in defence.
Just over five minutes remained of the first half when Blackpool took a rather lucky lead. Ollie Norburn was forced to shoot from range, with his effort deflecting off Jordan Rhodes and into the back of the net.
Moments before the break, Stevenage had the ball in the back of the net with Jamie Reid heading it past the keeper, but an unusually late flag was raised by the Assistant to deny Boro’s number nineteen. Stevenage were very unfortunate to be going into the break a goal down.
Ahead of the second half, the gaffer made another change as Aaron Pressley made way for Kane Smith who slotted into right wing-back, allowing Nick Freeman to move into the midfield.
Ten minutes into the second half, The Tangerines were denied by the woodwork as Kenny Dougall’s free kick from thirty yards crashed against the crossbar.
Two more substitutions were made shortly before the hour mark. Kane Hemmings and Reece Hannam were introduced in place of Ben Thompson and Louis Thompson. Jake Forster-Caskey who had been playing left wing-back now joined the midfield.
Another very fortunate goal for the hosts followed as Blackpool’s lead was doubled. Owen Dale took aim from the edge of the area with his effort taking a huge deflection and flying into the back of the net. There was simply nothing Taye Ashby-Hammond could do to prevent it.
Stevenage picked themselves up and carried on as they looked to pull one back. Finley Burns drove forward and won a free-kick for Boro with Jake Forster-Caskey ready to take it. The midfielder stood over the ball and fired on goal, but Dan Grimshaw managed to catch it.
Unfortunately, with over ten minutes to go, Blackpool rubbed salt in the wound by scoring their third of the afternoon. CJ Hamilton was the man to give them their third, firing into the top corner. It was a case of early events, completely out of Stevenage’s control, which changed the game entirely.
Elliott List was Boro’s final substitution, replacing Jamie Reid who was extremely unfortunate not to be on the scoresheet.
The Stevenage supporters who had turned out in their numbers continued to sing until the final whistle. Nothing went in Boro’s favour, and it was nothing more than an unfortunate afternoon as the referee blew his final whistle.
Attention now turns to next Saturday’s clash with Port Vale at The Lamex Stadium.
Attendance: 10,560 including 555 away supporters.