Blackpool v Leeds Utd 17th April 2012

Blackpool away is fixture that stirs a certain amount of interest amongst the Leeds faithful even when it's on a Tuesday night. The temptations of the tacky pleasures of Blackpool's golden mile persuaded a good number of mighty whites fans to get there in good time just to sample the delights of a brisk wind off the Irish Sea and copious amounts of the amber nectar. For me it was a quick dash from work just in time to sample a monster portion of Fish & Chips before entering Blackpool's new ground ready for our clash with Ian Holloway's Tangerines.

The posh exterior of the ground's facade belied the disappointment that awaited the away fans once inside the ground housed in what is in essence a temporary stand that seemed to sway in the wind and was supported by numerous wide columns that obscured our view. The toilets were in a compact portacabin and the snack bar was housed in a metal container. It was a bit like some of the more "interesting" ladies who patrol the sea front at Blackpool, as my late Gran would say, all fur coat and no knickers!

Warnock had basically kept the same eleven that played the majority of the game against Peterborough. Webber started in place of Rogers and Robinson slotted in at left back. Buoyed by Billy's heroics on Saturday the Leeds fans were hoping for a repeat "if Billy scores we're in the sea" belted out from the away end. Mmmmm a bit of a rash statement I though. Hyperthermia is not my idea of celebrating a goal? Not that I had the same inclination to put any money on Mr Barndoor as I did on Saturday. The away fans were in good voice as the game got underway in front of a packed stadium.

Blackpool were looking to cement a play off spot whilst Leeds had little more than pride and a contract for next year to play for. As you'd expect the game opened with some frenetic play on a very compact pitch. Leeds were more than holding their own as they withstood some rapier like thrusts from the Tangerines with Matt Phillips and Lualua causing problems on both flanks. It was Leeds who should have gone ahead though as Snoddy weaved his way round the Blackpool defence and found O'Dea at the back post with a perfect cross. He should have scored. "You're just a town full of donkeys" drifted from the away end quickly followed by a suggestion of where to stick their Tower. Leeds fans really know how to win friends and influence people?

Blackpool looked to have more firepower than Leeds but Lonners was having an outstanding game as he made two spectacular saves to keep the game goalless as we headed for half time. Blackpool had a half hearted shout for a penalty that some refs would have given. Leeds were battling hard but Billy's efforts to give the Leeds fans a dip in the Irish sea weren't coming to much although he did have the ball in the net when Ross Mac crossed from an offside position. Our Scottish goal machine should have had a penalty as he surged past Crainey only to be dragged down inside the box. No penalty. Half time 0.0.

 Leeds started the 2nd half sluggishly and Blackpool took advantage as they started to stretch the resolute Leeds back line. Each time they did Lonners repelled them with some outstanding goalkeeping. As the game went on Blackpool became more frustrated and Leeds enjoyed some pressure of their own. Billy had departed to be replaced by Becchio, cue"were not going in the sea" from some relieved fans. Ross Mac & Snoddy carried a threat every time they got the ball and I began to thinks we might just spoil the Tangerine play off charge.

Trouble flared in the Blackpool end when a number of Leeds fans joined an away fans chorus of "you're just a small town in Fleetwood" Back on the pitch Leeds were having their best spell of the game without really carving out a gilt edged chance. Holloway replaced Lualua with Dicko with 19 minutes to go in a move that changed the game. Dicko's extra pace upset the Leeds defence as they tired. Chances started to appear and once again Lonners had to be at his stunning best to turn round a stinging shot from Dicko.

 Blackpool were desperate to get the win that would almost guarantee them a play off spot and pushed on for the winner. With just ten minutes remaining Blackpool finally broke the Leeds resistance when Tom Ince got to the bye line and screwed a mis hit cross back to Martinez who poked home from seven yards. Bollox! Leeds didn't give up and shook Blackpool moments later when Webber failed to convert a difficult header with the goal gaping in front of him. Dicko then added to Leeds' woes as he turned O'Dea and fell over. 2nd Yellow for the Celtic loanee and the 127th red card for a Leeds player in Mr Warnock's short reign!

 We still tried to get the equaliser but to no avail. Blackpool ran out 1.0 winners and now seem certain to enjoy the play off lottery. As for Leeds another battling performance away from home that won few friends in the home crowd.......except those Leeds fans who had found their way into their end.

A valiant effort by Leeds similar in lots of ways to the Reading game. Lonners was my MOM with Ross Mac, Snoddy and Bromby shining elsewhere. Just two games left now. Still chance to go for a new world and Olympic record for the number of red cards in the last 10 games of a season?

Cardiff next on Saturday morning. Early, early start for that one. I do hope it's all worth while?
Can't wait................for the summer clear out and new signings!
MOT