County were downed by two second-half Blackpool goals on Tuesday, although the Tangerines were reduced to ten men late in the game.
Blackpool started on the front foot and had a great chance to take the lead within five minutes. A floated cross to the back post found an orange shirt, but Harry Campbell made himself big and produced a great save.
A teasing cross by Kingston Fligg needed a touch to find the net, but Dallas Omoruyi and Ashton Mee couldn’t flick the ball on, and the cross bounced narrowly wide of the post.
The hosts created a half-chance mid-way through the half. A heavy touch inside from the right wing opened space for a strike, but the left-footed effort was easily held by Campbell.
Campbell was called into action once again. A quick one-two inside of the box unwrapped the County defence, but a weak effort rolled into the arms of Campbell, who made a string of important saves in the first half.
HALF TIME: Blackpool 0-0 County
The second period began with a high tempo, and Campbell made another fantastic save. Blackpool worked a shooting chance inside of the box and fired a low, powerful effort towards the bottom corner, but Campbell got down and tipped the ball wide.
Moments later, a curling effort from distance looked destined for the top corner, but an outstretched Campbell got fingertips to the ball, and diverted the ball over the bar.
The hosts finally made the breakthrough with twenty minutes to go. A loose ball inside of the box wasn’t cleared by County, and a Blackpool body poked the ball into the net.
Blackpool were awarded a penalty on the ninety-minute mark. As County pushed for an equaliser, gaps opened up, which the hosts exploited, and were awarded a penalty for a late challenge. They doubled their lead from the spot, all-but sealing the three points.
Blackpool were reduced to ten men shortly afterwards. A high challenge in the middle of the pitch was deemed to be dangerous play, and thus the hosts saw out the remainder of the game one man down.
Omoruyi could have pulled a late, late goal back for County. A floated cross was aimed just behind the striker, but he did well to adjust his body and try the spectacular, but his overhead volley was wide of the post.
FULL TIME: Blackpool 2-0 County
County line-up: Campbell; Trialist, Scruton (Partington 76′), Bradbury-Allen, Jones, Redshaw; Fligg, Atkinson (capt.), Mee (Watson 80′); Depeiaza (Trialist 61′), Omoruyi
Unused subs: Barry, Harrison
Images: Mike Petch
