Blackpool FC 1 Millwall FC 0 - Match Report

by Thomas Anthony Wilson. Published Sat 05 Nov 2011 18:01
Phillips' magnificent strike was decisive
Phillips' magnificent strike was decisive

Kevin Phillips' rocket set the tone for bonfire night as Blackpool propelled themselves into the Championship play-off zone with a sparkling victory over in-form Millwall.

Blackpool's top scorer emerged from the bench midway through the second half and unleashed an explosive strike to separate the sides and erupt a buoyant Bloomfield Road faithful.

It was a suitable way to mark Ian Holloway's 100th league game in charge, as his team sealed back-to-back victories for the first time since September.

The Seasiders dominated proceedings and played some of their best football of the season as they out-passed their opponents for long spells.

"I was delighted by the way I seen my team play," said the Seasider's boss.

"We looked a threat and it took a goal from a top marksman to win it."

Following Blackpool's midweek demolition of Leeds United, Holloway was forced into making only one change with the suspended Ian Evatt making way for Neal Eardley in defence.

The Seasiders carried on from where they left off at Elland Road and were first out of the traps when Keith Southern's powerful 20-yard effort drew David Forde into a fine outstretched save in the eighth minute.

They came even closer from the resulting corner, but Southern's goal-bound header was cleared off the line by a reluctant Jack Smith.

Confidence was brimming through the team and Lomana Lua Lua nearly broke the deadlock in the 24th minute after cutting inside the box, but his ferocious left footed strike was palmed away by Forde.

Millwall's only notable chance came when Liam Feeney found space in the box, but the midfielder horribly skewed wide.

Callum McManaman nearly put the hosts ahead moments from the interval after latching onto Jonjo Shelvey's cross, but Darren Ward did remarkably well to deflect the ball over.

The second half continued in the same vain as the first, and the all important breakthrough arrived on the hour mark following Phillips' introduction to the pitch.

The veteran striker received the ball on the edge of the box with his back to goal, before swivelling and hammering a beauty beyond the beleaguered Forde for his his seventh goal of the season.

The visitors nearly replied with a rare piece of goalmouth action, but Matt Gilks produced a fine save to deny Neal Trotter with his legs before Alex Baptiste heroically headed away with the ball looping towards an empty goal.

Phillips came agonisingly close to adding a second for the home side in the dying embers of the game, but agonisingly struck the post from Eardley's cross.

The impressive Shelvey then struck a scorcher inches wide moments later.

There was still time for some late drama as the visitors nearly rescued a point when substitute James Henry raced through on goal, but Gilks denied him with a fine stop as the referee signalled the end of the game.

On the basis of this performance, the signs looks promising for Blackpool as they head into the international break with their heads held high.

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