Young Clarets lose out by the aerodrome

Last updated : 15 September 2002 By Peter Heywood

Blackpool boss Steve McMahon at Squires Gate
Having beaten Wigan 2-1 last week this match presented the perfect opportunity for the Clarets to progress to the knockout stage of the competition. However careless mistakes and some casual defending resulted in defeat in a game they really should have won.

Unlike at Wigan last Saturday, parasols not parapluies were the order of the day as the Clarets took to the field at the Seasiders’ somewhat Spartan training ground.

A constant high-pitched whining noise accompanied their entrance, and this was to last throughout the match. Initial thoughts that Mark Lawrenson must be somewhere in the vicinity were soon dispelled as the first of a seemingly endless stream of flying machines whizzed overhead en route for the adjacent aerodrome. No doubt the coach had already inspired his youthful charges with the thought that if they apply themselves like true professionals then perhaps one day they too might step onto one of those planes bound for some faraway exotic destination like, er, the Isle of Man.

Matty O’Neill was again absent with the first team squad, and Robert Grimes and Damien Hindle, both returning from injury, were to start. This gave rise to several positional changes, with Chaplow dropping back into his more accustomed midfield role, and the Accrington Terrier Joel Pilkington going to right back. So the Clarets, in 4-4-2, lined up:

James Salisbury; Joel Pilkington, Gary Carter (Danny Pitham 46), Liam Eves (capt.), Paul Scott (Adam Jones 57); Robert Grimes, Richard Chaplow, Steven Richardson, Mark Rasmussen (Darrell Avery 70); Damien Hindle, Rhys Carpenter.

Blackpool were without a win in their previous three competitive games, but each match had produced several goals. In the first minute it was plain to see why. Burnley kicked off, and sped straight upfield causing chaos in the home side’s defence. A last-ditch tackle resulted in the ball being thumped back upfield where Eves and Carter, caught napping, allowed the dangerous Blinkhorn a clear run on goal. Salty saved the day, however, with a brave dive at the gangling striker’s feet.

The furious pace continued, with Burnley dominating. Some lovely, passing moves were put together, with Chaplow spraying the ball about to either flank with great composure. After 13 minutes one of these moves saw Ras flick on to Hindle; Damien cleverly cut inside a defender before clipping a crisp shot past the advancing goalie and into the corner of the net for 1-0.

However within five minutes Blackpool were level. Although all the football was coming from the Clarets, the Satsumas’ direct 4-3-3 formation was causing the defence problems. A lob had already gone narrowly wide before the Clarets allowed a forward to get to the by-line, and as the ball was pulled back no-one picked up Blinkhorn who scored easily from six yards. Cue fit of apoplexy from Pash.

Having pressed the self-destruct button once, the Clarets couldn’t resist giving it a second prod in the 25th minute. Salty and captain Liam, under no pressure, somehow managed to present the ball to a young Orange. He gratefully banged the ball into the vacant net for 2-1, leaving the embarrassed duo to conduct a Laurel and Hardy-esque dialogue along the lines of "I gave it to you to give to him to give to…" Cue ear-splitting silence from Pash.

Again the Clarets continued to dominate play, but without success. Hindle and Richardson both had good, long-range efforts, and Grimes went close with a fine run and shot. Halftime duly arrived, and the young Clarets found themselves not only trailing 2-1 on the pitch, but also trailing after their coach who was making full steam ahead for the Stalag Luft 5 style changing rooms.

Pitham replaced Carter at the restart, but within three minutes it was 3-1. With commendable politeness the defence stood off Blinkhorn, allowing him to bend a shot past the unsighted Salisbury from the edge of the area. Cue a more than passable impression of a man trying to pull his own head off from Pash.

For the first time in the match Blackpool now began to have the upper hand, and fears of a most unlikely drubbing sprang to mind. But to their credit the Clarets rose to the test. Adam Jones came on for his first appearance, replacing the injured Scott, and 15 year-old Darrell Avery made his second substitute appearance as Burnley switched to a do or die 3-3-4 formation.

Chaplow and Grimes both went close, a shot was tipped onto the bar and over, before Grimes seized onto some hesitant defending to crash the ball deservedly past Blackpool’s foul-mouthed goalie. 3-2, and twelve minutes to go.

With Richardson operating as an orthodox right-winger and putting in some excellent crosses it looked as though an equaliser would come. Unfortunately, this time it was Blackpool’s turn to stand firm. Chaplow, Jones and Rico all went close but to no avail, and the Clarets were left to rue a series of missed opportunities (including the after match opportunity to sample the superb fish and chips at Potters Plaice, next to the Christian Café opposite the ground) on the journey back to the Turf.

This result leaves group 2 wide open for qualification, with all four teams still in with a chance. Next Saturday’s final game, at home to a strong Preston team will be decisive. Kick off is at 11, so if you’re not going to Bradford get down to Gawthorpe and cheer the lads on in what promises to be an excellent game.