Grayson delighted with Blackpool spirit as they rescue late draw at Accrington - 7M sport

Grayson delighted with Blackpool spirit as they rescue late draw at Accrington



Posted Sunday, September 22, 2019 by PA

Grayson delighted with Blackpool spirit as they rescue late draw at Accrington

Blackpool manager Simon Grayson praised his side’s never-say-die attitude as Matty Virtue celebrated a 92nd-minute equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Accrington.

Virtue rifled the ball home through a crowded penalty area to rescue a point after a Curtis Tilt own goal, diverting a Sam Finley cross into into his own net, had given the Reds a 16th minute lead.

Stanley hit the post through Dion Charles before the break and Sean McConville wasted two good chances while Blackpool dominated possession but didn’t really test goalkeeper Dimitar Evtimov.

“We got into some good positions but never capitalised on them,” said Grayson. “We were chasing the game, we changed the system a few times and I think the draw was a fair result.

“I am pleased with the way we kept going until the end, we showed spirit and drive but we could have done better at times in terms of creativity.

“I said to the players at half-time we needed to quicken things up but we left it late.

“Matty Virtue scored his first Blackpool goal here last season and I said this morning it would be nice if he scored again today and thankfully he did.

“He is a quality player and he can handle the ball and it was a great feeling to see it hit the back of the net.

“That’s four points from two successive away games and, while we would have liked to have won today, if you can’t do that then you have to make sure you draw and we did.”

Stanley boss John Coleman was bitterly disappointed. His side haven’t kept a clean sheet since January, 29 league games, and he felt they were on course for that elusive shut-out today.

“You get to 90 minutes and you begin to believe you might do it, you believe it might be your day and then we were punished,” he said.

“We could have won three or four but it is a worry that we can’t keep a clean sheet. We may have to radically change the way we defend to try and get one.

“I can’t fault the players, they battled hard, we tried our best and the lads deserve credit but we do feel like it’s a real body blow at the moment.”

Meanwhile Coleman was furious as a flare and bottles were thrown onto the pitch by Blackpool fans during the game – last year keeper Evtimov was sent off in the same fixture for throwing one back.

“The majority of Blackpool fans are tremendous and well-behaved but a minority are spoiling their reputation.

“Flares and bottles could hurt someone and it has to be addressed. Action has to be taken.”

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