Seasiders Slip To Seventh After Stalemate

Clean sheets aren't something we're neccessarily used to, but it's three in a row now since the thrashing at Palace. Unfortunately today though, the Seasiders couldn't find their way through an equally miserly defence. With Bristol City and QPR winning, 'Pool drop to seventh in the table, but are very much still one of the sides making the early running, and long may it continue!

In difficult conditions, Ian Holloway's side recorded a hard-earned point against a Swansea side who are obviously missing Jason Scotland's goals. Not many sides will break down and get the better of Paulo Sousa's side this season, as their recent results show, so today was a good result for the 'Pool, especially given our recent away form.

The Seasiders had the better of the early posession, but chances for both sides were limited.

Matt Gilks denied Darren Pratley after two minutes, whilst Craig Beattie fired wide on the quarter hour. At the other end, Alex Baptiste headed over a Neal Eardley corner.

Hamuer Bouazza, restored to the starting line-up once again, picked up a booking after 20 minutes for a challenge on Mark Gower, and it was the ex Southend man and one time 'Pool target's corner just a minute later that caused problems for the Seasiders; Matt Gilks eventually saving from Craig Beattie.

Charlie Adam, also restored to the starting XI by 'tinkerman' Ollie, fired a freekick just over twenty minutes before the break, whilst Swansea's Tom Butler nearly put the home side ahead with a header that looped just wide.

Neal Eardley limped off ten minute before the break, being replaced by Ian Evatt. Evatt slotted in at centre back, with Alex Baptiste shifting to right back. The extent of Eardley's injury is not yet known.

Charlie Adam then picked up his fifth booking of the season just before the break and will now miss next Saturday's trip to Doncaster.

Swansea started the second half brightly, with captain Alan Tate heading agonisingly wide from another Gower corner.

Matt Gilks then made two reflex saves, before Tom Williams headed wide from yet another Gower corner. The winger's quality deliveries troubled the 'Pool defence all afternoon.

Gower's quality wasn't just restricted to corners however; the midfield man played a great through ball to Beattie, but the striker could only fire over the bar.

Nathan Dyer than replaced Cedric Van Der Gun, whilst Ben Burgess replaced Charlie Adam who was on the verge of talking himself into a sending off. Burgess of course had been 'guarenteed to start' by the Gazette on Friday... need I say more!

Swansea's pressure was highlighted by Blackpool's third change of the afternoon; Al Bangura replacing Hamuer Bouazza.

'Pool did create the odd chance in the second forty-five: Billy Clarke fired straight at Swans stopper Dorus De Vries, whilst Ian Evatt's header was cleared by Craig Beattie.

The talismanic tub of lard Lee Trundle replaced Beattie with quarter of an hour to go, and Swansea boss Paulo Sousa also threw on striker Gorka Pintado for Tom Butler as he searched for a winner.

Jason Euell was denied twice in the closing stages, whilst at the other end, Nathan Dyer and Lee Trundle were denied by a combination of Alex Baptiste and Matt Gilks.

The last action of the match saw 'Pool skipper Jason Euell booked by a referee,who according to the official site, did not have the best of games... of course you'l be able to have your say in our Men In Black feature on the forum!

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