BOWYER PREDICTS BRIGHTER FUTURE
BLACKPOOL secured an impressive victory over Exeter in their first fourth-tier match since 2001, but new boss Gary Bowyer insists there is still much more to come from his side.
An unfortunate own goal from Exeter’s Troy Brown after the break sealed the win after debutant Kyle Vassell put them ahead in the first half.
Exeter, who won all of their pre-season games, had plenty of chances but could not find the net.
After successive relegations, and just six years on from their Premier League campaign, Bowyer – Blackpool’s sixth permanent manager since 2012 – says an opening-day victory is just the start.
“There’s loads of improvement to come from us,” Bowyer said.
“The organisation and spirit we’ve got so early in the relationship is terrific but there’s loads for us to improve on and they know that.
“I look forward to working with them and trying to improve. We are new into a relationship and we are learning about each other.
“Today was a challenge but we acquitted ourselves very well.
“You’re never going to have it plain sailing and Exeter are a good team. We spoke at half time about one or two things to improve. I thought we managed the game well second half and saw it out well.”
The Seasiders, who started with five debutants, led after 19 minutes when newboy Vassell was played through by another in Colin Daniel, and netted from 12 yards via a deflection from Bobby Olejnik.
But Exeter should have equalised five minutes later as Lee Holmes picked out Ollie Watkins, who could only put a diving header onto the post from two yards.
The woodwork denied Exeter for a second time after 44 minutes, as Jake Taylor’s flick came back off the inside of the far post before Watkins had a header saved by Sam Slocombe.
Blackpool’s new keeper Slocombe produced a sensational save to prevent an Andy Taylor own goal six minutes after the break.
But, straight down the other end, Brown wasn’t so fortunate as he deflected Brad Potts’ cross past Olejnik to double Blackpool’s advantage.
Paul Tisdale is the Football League’s longest-serving manager and says there is no need to panic after defeat.
“I’ve been doing this long enough to realise that you don’t throw the baby out with the bath water,” Tisdale said.
“We had a good pre-season, large elements of our game were positive today. I know exactly which areas could have been more effective.
“I’m not unhappy with my team. Ten per cent better in some areas and we could have won that game.
“We hit the post a couple of times and had one or two close opportunities. It’s amazing how quickly the game gets away from you when you concede a second.”