Gaffer's Gabber

The win, taking Blackpool up into 8th position - still with 2 games in hand on Tranmere - was the Seasiders' first since January 20th when a Keith Southern strike secured 3 points away to Leyton Orient.

"I'm very pleased with the performance because we defended properly and created chances. The lads showed their battling qualities. We defended well and showed a lot of grit and resolve."

From those who attended the game, the general consensus was that Blackpool deserved to win the game and the defence stood strong - particularly Shaun Barker at right back - and ensured a clean sheet was kept - again, since the 20th when 'Pool beat Orient 1-0.

Danny Coid for Kaspars Gorkss was one of three changes (and perhaps the most shocking of the night!), with the utility player stepping in at left-back as the only fit left-full-back at the club.

"Danny Coid did ever so well. He has come back from four months out injured and a three-match ban [after getting sent off in the reserves]. First and foremost Danny is a footballer - he can use both feet and I thought he would be able to use the ball better than Kaspars."

It is vital that 'Coidy' gets back to his old self from before his numerous injury set-backs as he is certainly one of the more gifted players at the club - and would definately walk straight into the left-back position when fully fit. Fingers crossed he can stay injury-free and provide strength down the left hand side which has been missing for most of the season in all honesty!

Grayson then went on to reveal what was said during the half-time interval - with the scores level at a 0-0 stalemate;

"I told the players at half time that the important thing was to keep our shape. I said there was no point being all 'gung-ho' and losing our shape because that could cost us the game."

Both Keigan Parker and Adrian Forbes [with second half cameo appearances] went close to increasing the scoreline for 'Pool late on, but Forbes' effort rebounded off the post whereas Parker squandered what was possibly the best chance of the match.

"We could have won by more goals. Keigan Parker and Adrian Forbes both got into good positions and are disappointed not to have taken their chances."

The win was 'Pool's first since January 20th, whereas it condemned Oldham to their fourth consecutive defeat, which has left some to believe that their bubble has finally burst. Some, however, does not include Grayson;

"Oldham showed they are a good side but it just isn't happening for them at the moment. But there are plenty of games for them to go on another good run and it's the same with us."

With the business end of the season well and truly under way, with Blackpool 2 games in hand over Tranmere and only 10 points off the automatic promotion places - with only 2 points separating 8th and 6th! - so a playoff place is more than achievable if our home form improves with an important couple of games coming up against Bournemouth and Brighton at Bloomfield Road.

"We have another 14 games to determine where we end up and it's all in our own hands."