Western Mail
SWANSEA CITY stuttered to a sixth successive draw as substitute Alan Gow cancelled out Jason Scotland’s screamer on a frustrating afternoon in Blackpool.
As has been the case in previous games, the Swans dominated large chunks of the game. But, just like their previous five games, an inability to make the most of that dominance left Roberto Martinez’s men dropping more valuable points.
A dull and fairly uneventful game was finally brought to life in the 67th minute when Scotland’s brilliant solo effort gave Swansea the lead. But, when Gow danced his way into the Swans box and slipped the ball past Dorus de Vries, it seemed inevitable the game would finish honours even.
For all their frustration at the end, Swansea made a strong start to the game, putting their hosts on the back foot whenever possible. But, with the exception of a couple of tame long-range efforts from Jordi Gomez and the impressive Tom Butler, Paul Rachubka was barely tested in the Blackpool goal.
The Seasiders for their part looked dangerous on the break. But, with the exception of the lively Kyel Reid, they rarely troubled the Swans back four.
As the first half progressed Swansea continued to dominate, much to the home crowd’s frustration. But, for all their possession, Martinez’s men were struggling to create any clear-cut chances.
That trend continued until half-time. And, as both teams ran in for the break, the crowd were left to reflect on 45 minutes of football that had been almost as dismal as the weather in the North West.
The Swans came out for the second half seemingly intent on making their control count. But within minutes they were dragged down to Blackpool’s level and the game quickly deteriorated into a scrappy affair.
If anything the hosts started looking like the more likely team to score. But, with the exception of a long-range shot from Adam Hammill, they too had little to show for any possessional advantage.
With his team starting to creak on the back foot, Martinez responded by bringing on Gorka Pintado for Joe Allen effectively moving the Swans to a four-four-two system. The decision had an immediate impact as the Swans pushed forward for an opener.
The goal finally game in the 67th minute via the left foot of Scotland who, until that point, was having a below par afternoon. Darren Pratley was fouled in the Swans half and, when his quick free-kick found Scotland, the striker drove towards goal before smashing his shot past Rachubka from 20 yards.
To their credit Blackpool immediately pushed forwards in search of an equaliser. And, after five minutes of constant pressure they soon had it.
Pintado was the guilty man from the Swans perspective as a poor touch gave the ball away to Hammill in a dangerous position. The winger then found substitute Gow who, after beating two defenders on his way into the box, hit a low shot past de Vries to make it 1-1.
What had previously been a dull game, soon turned into an end-to-end affair with both teams looking to grab a winner. But, with Pintado and Blackpool captain Shaun Barker wasting good chances at either end, the Swans looked destined to record a sixth straight draw.
Scotland had another superb chance to secure all three points in the 88th minute but, with Rachubka beaten, he was denied by a superb block from Alex Baptiste. That sealed Swansea’s fate and, once again, it was a case of two points dropped rather than one gained.
Goals:
Blackpool: Gow 74
Swansea: Scotland 67
Referee: Darren Deadman (Cambridgeshire)
Attendance: 7,007
Blackpool
Rachubka, Barker (Cpt), Evatt, Baptiste, Martin; Hammill, Fox, Southern, Reid (Taylor-Fletcher 65); Burgess (Gow 46), Dickinson (Kabba 78).
Subs not used: Coid, Vaughan.
Swansea
De Vries, Rangel, Monk (Cpt), Williams, Tate; Britton, Allen (Pintado 58), Pratley; Gomez, Butler (Brandy 90); Scotland.
Subs not used: Tudur Jones, Serran, Konstantopoulos.
