Match Report:
Blackpool 1 Exeter City 2

A last-gasp Blackpool winner saw Exeter City leave the seaside empty-handed, despite scoring their first goal at Bloomfield Road since 1979.

The Grecians struggled to find their rhythm in the first half and went into the break deservedly 1-0 down. However, a triple substitution midway through the second half sparked a resurgence. One of those substitutes, Ed Francis, ignited the away end with a superb, pinpoint free-kick to equalize in the 88th minute. But Blackpool had the final say, snatching all three points with an even later goal from a corner.

After a two-week pause in league action due to the international break, Gary Caldwell opted for an unchanged starting lineup and bench from City’s win at Bolton. Leicester loanee Amani Richards kept his place among the substitutes after an impressive midweek performance in the Premier League Cup win against Norwich, while fellow loanee Kamari Doyle retained his starting role behind the strikers, fresh off his spectacular free-kick goal against the Trotters.

First half

Looking for a bright start under their new manager, Blackpool almost broke into City’s box within the opening ten seconds, but a combination of Tristan Crama and Pierce Sweeney cleared the early danger. Five minutes later, it was the third centre-half, Johnly Yfeko, who made another crucial block as the home side sought to attack the Grecians with pace.

City first came closet in the 17^th minute, following some excellent short passing out from the back that released Ilmari Niskanen into space in midfield. The Fin drove forward, sliding the ball left fto Jack Aitchison, who fed Millenic Alli. Alli powered a low ball across the box, but it evaded everyone in blue and tangerine.

The Grecians were made to rue this chance as, immediately after that chance, Blackpool took the lead. A cross from their right was missed by City’s defence and fell to CJ Hamilton, who struck a fierce shot into the bottom corner.

Blackpool nearly doubled their advantage moments later with two close efforts. Joe Whitworth made a fine save to deny Dom Ballard’s shot, and Kyle Joseph then curled an effort just wide as the Tangerines looked to capitalize on their momentum.

A break in play allowed City to regroup, but Whitworth was called into action again, holding a free-kick from Lee Evans just past the half-hour mark, when the Pool man had looked more likely to cross.

Three minutes later, the Grecians registered their first shot on target. Josh Magennis did well to hold up a clearance on the halfway line before releasing Niskanen down the right. His low central pass found Aitchison, who laid the ball off to Doyle, but his shot was safely gathered by the Blackpool keeper.

The match then became an end-to-end affair, with Whitworth producing two more fantastic saves. He pushed away Ballard’s curling effort with his fingertips and was again equal to the forward’s shot moments later.