DEANO DENIES THE SEASIDERS
IN-FORM Blackpool secured another point on the road following an entertaining 0-0 draw at Blundell Park but Gary Bowyer remained frustrated.
The Seasiders have every right to be disappointed they didn’t return with all three points in what was a dominant display against Grimsby – who had goalkeeper Dean Henderson to thank for a share of the spoils.
Blackpool boss Bowyer said: “I’m frustrated we couldn’t get the three points because, when you analyse the game, their goalkeeper has pulled off a couple of fantastic saves. On top of that our goalkeeper has had to do very little.
“What I am most frustrated about is our penalty shout in the first half. Bright OsayiSamuel was taken out by their goalkeeper in my opinion. There was no reason for him to go down because he was going on to score.
“But when we get back and reflect what we can do is look back on two very difficult away games over the Christmas period and picking up an important four points.
“Our supporters were magnificent. They’ve had to travel for the Christmas fixtures, so on behalf of me and the club, we’d like to say a big thanks.
“The transfer window opens now and we will be looking to do a deal if we can. We want to strengthen.”
The first attack of genuine note didn’t arrive until the 20th minute when Henderson pulled off a brilliant low save to deny the Seasiders top goalscorer Kyle Vassell.
The closest Grimsby came in the opening half was through left-back Danny Andrew when his curling free-kick from a tight angle grazed the crossbar on 34 minutes.
The visitors made an explosive start to the second half when Vassell beat two men in the middle of the park before hitting a thunderous longrange strike, which Henderson did brilliantly again to tip over the bar.
Blackpool enjoyed a strong spell midway through the second period and both Mark Cullen and Jack Payne went close to breaking the deadlock.
The Mariners’ Danny Collins almost snatched a late winner in injury time but just failed to connect with a set-piece.
Grimsby manager Marcus Bignot said: “Blackpool are a very good team and a point isn't a bad result at all for us. They will be up there come the end of the season.
“The downside is we have picked up a couple of injuries to Ashley Chambers and Luke Summerfield and they’re both likely to be out for Carlisle.
“Dean Henderson has done really well in goal for us over the last couple of games and he produced some important saves at important times.
“We now have to look forward to the transfer window. It’s a short window but we are keen to do business.
“We want to be as strong as we can and so we do have a few offers on the table for some players.”