Tangerines grab point by Virtue of Matty
SIMON Grayson praised his side’s never-say-die attitude as Matty Virtue celebrated a late equaliser in their draw at Accrington.
Virtue rifled the ball home throw a crowded penalty area to rescue a point after a Curtis Tilt own goal, diverting a Sam Finley cross into his own net, had given the Reds a 16thminute lead.
“We got into some good positions, but never capitalised on them,” said Grayson. “We were chasing the game, we changed the system a few times and I think the draw was a fair result.
“I am pleased with the way we kept going until the end, we showed spirit and drive.
“Matty scored his first Blackpool goal here last season and I said that it would be nice if he scored again, and thankfully he did.”
A Tilt own goal had given Stanley the lead when the defender volleyed a Sam Finley right wing cross into his own net after 16 minutes. Blackpool had plenty of possession, but struggled to test goalkeeper Dimi Evtimov.
When they did, he was equal to it, denying Ryan Hardie from close range in the 22nd minute.
Stanley came close to doubling their advantage after 40 minutes, but a bullet header from Charles crashed off the top of the crossbar.
Pool started with purpose after the break, with James Husband’s effort deflected wide, while Joe Nuttall’s rocket was blocked.
Sean McConville had two great chances to make the game safe for Stanley, but could not find the target.
Unmarked Tilt volleyed over with eight minutes to go and it looked like that was it until Virtue powered his shot home in injury time.
Stanley boss John Coleman was gutted as his side have not kept a clean sheet since January, 29 league games, and he felt they were on course for that elusive first shut-out. “You get to 90 minutes and you begin to believe you might do it, you believe it might be your day and then we were punished,” he said.
“We could have won by three or four, but it is a worry that we can’t keep a clean sheet. We may have to radically change the way we defend.
“I can’t fault the players, they battled hard, we tried our best and the lads deserve credit, but it’s a real body blow.”