Seasiders Battle To Forest Victory

If Wednesday night was one of the best performances I'll ever be privileged enough to see from a Blackpool side, then this was perhaps one of the worst. And yet, come the final whistle, we were celebrating yet another three points.

Confidence appears to be astronomically high at the club right now, and perhaps in previous seasons we'd have lost or drawn this game.

But, despite the obviously tired legs, the 'Pool ground out an away win (their first of the season in the league) after shutting out a Forest attack sprinkled with big-money players.

The signs are very promising, but there's still a long way to go. What we have seen though is that we can win pretty and we can win ugly. That's what the best teams do. Will we be one of the best teams come May? I don't know, I still think we need to strengthen... but we're doing enough to tick along very nicely at the moment.

It was a lovely day in Nottingham, and the Seasiders were backed by a decent away following in the East Midlands sun.

The 'Pool were unchanged from Wednesday night; Ian Holloway resisting the urge to rest tired legs.

Blackpool actually started the brighter, with Hamuer Bouazza's pace causing Forest trouble. His shot across the face of goal in the opening 15 minutes was nearly converted by Keith Southern.

After that though, Forest were on top and looked dangerous. Both Chris Cohen and Rob Earnshaw headed straight at Paul Rabchubka following great crosses into the box.

The Seasiders' midfield were being over-run, but, against the run of play, Ian Holloway's men took the lead.

Charlie Adam proved just how good he is once again, waltzing through both Forest's midfield and defence before rolling the ball home. Definitely a goal to catch on the highlights.

Just minutes later, Adam nearly made it two: powering a shot just over from distance.

Paul Rabchubka then provided a great double save before Alex Baptiste cleared off the line as the home side bombed forward looking for an equaliser.

Ian Evatt was then forced to limp off after crumpling to a heap off the ball. Rob Edwards replaced him, and potentially the need for another centre half has grown in importance.

Half time: Forest 0-1 Blackpool

The second half saw 'Pool actually start brightly. Jason Euell was sent scampering clear, but his shot was turned round the post by Lee Camp.

Stephen Crainey then curled a freekick wide and Bouazza fired wide, before normal service was restored and Forest grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck once again.

Rob Earnshaw was found unmarked at the back post on the hour, but could only find Paul Rachubka with his header when he really should have scored.

'Pool then replaced Bouazza with Emmanuel-Thomas, whilst Forest sacrificed Guy Moussi as they pushed for the win. Defensive midfielder Moussi was man of the match; dominating the midfield.

Shortly after firing over, Brett Ormerod was substituted for Billy Clarke. Ormerod was visibly exhausted from Wednesday night and struggled to get going all afternoon.

Forest threw Dele Adebola on and continued to throw everything they could at the Pool, who looked off the pace throughout and struggled to get their passing game going.

However, the 'Pool hung on to record another great win.

*Try Vital Mobile FOR FREE for the latest news, scores, fixtures and so much more*

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.