Not so Happy New Year

Blackpool`s unbeaten run came to an end today in a New Years Day defeat away at Chesterfield.

Today`s game just seemed one too many in what has been a hectic but successful festive period. Simon Grayson made two changes to his side, Keigan Parker was ill so his place went to Scott Vernon and Andy Morrell was given a well deserved rest, Burgess took his place.

Pool started slowly early on in the game, restrained by a poor decision by Mr Oliver not to play advantage when Hoolahan wriggled away from a couple of defenders. Also a few poor offside decisions didn`t help Evatt and Burgess.

The Blues took the lead on twelve minutes when an attack down the left resulted in acres of space for Kevan Hurst to run into a slot the ball past Evans before Wilkinson could get a challenge in. The Blues deserved the lead with Wayne 'The Chief` Allison and Celab Forlan causing numerous problems for Jackson and co all afternoon.

Blackpool`s only attempt on goal in the first half came from a nice piece of play released Southern who was only able to shoot straight at Roche from 25-yard.

Chesterfield were able to double their lead before the half time break as the rain started to fall. Once again pace stretched the back line and Folan was able to slot away the second goal of the match.

In the half time break and the first 30 minutes of the first half the rain continued to fall making the conditions hard for both sides to play football. Pool had a good go at the home side in the second half but on numerous occasions individuals gave away possession and lacked a certain spark to break down a tight home defence.

Roche did deny Pool a goal when he tipped round the post a shot from Ian Evatt from 25-yards. Unfortunately that was as good as it got in the second half. It looked like the number of games in such a short period did have an effect on the Seasiders whose fitness and concentration levels were not as high as the home side`s. And once the Blues had their comfortable two goal lead it was up to the Seasiders to break them down which wasn`t going to happen this afternoon.

Later on in the match Andy Wilkinson limped off with an injury after a bad tackle from Allott who received a booking for the foul, Jackson and Evatt received bookings themselves later on. Morrell and Forbes injected a bit of pace but unfortunately it just wasn`t to be on New Years Day for Blackpool.

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