Andrew’s late goal thwarts Tangerines
BLACKPOOL midfielder Jordan Thompson admits his side were punished for not putting the game to bed as Rochdale snatched a late equaliser at Bloomfield Road.
Thompson netted his first goal for the club, before Curtis Tilt’s effort, following Ryan Delaney’s equaliser, looked enough to win the game, but Rochdale levelled four minutes from time through Calvin Andrew to share the spoils.
The result extends Blackpool’s unbeaten run to nine matches in division, but Thompson insists his side must start turning their draws into victories.
“Rochdale started the game quite fast, but we got the goals in the first half, but then they left it late for their equaliser and it was a punisher,” said the 21-year-old.
“It feels like a loss, we dominated in the second half and created chances, but we should have taken them. I was pleased to get my first goal for the club, I saw the space as Marc Bola crossed the ball in and headed it in at the near post.”
Both sides were quick out of the blocks in the first half, with the Seasiders ahead after just five minutes through Thompson.
But Rochdale were level four minutes later as Ryan Delaney volleyed home from close range after Blackpool failed to clear Bradden Inman’s corner.
Terry McPhillips’ side re-established their lead after 29 minutes as Tilt rose highest to head home Jay Spearing’s corner.
The home side started the second half the brighter with Nathan Delfouneso and Ben Heneghan both going close with headers.
But Andrew had the final say, stooping low to head home Joe Rafferty’s cross after 86 minutes.
Rochdale boss Keith Hill said: “In the end a draw is a fair result. We were brilliant in the first half, but the score line was disappointing, with goals conceded from mistakes.
“I’m pleased with a lot of aspects overall and we showed real courage to go and get an equaliser.
“Calvin Andrew’s goal was the perfect end to the game for us. As we were approaching the end of the game, I knew if we weren’t going to win the game then we definitely did not want to lose it. The way we play is very important. I want us to be entertaining.”