Mighty Maxwell takes one for team

MICK MCCARTHY praised keeper Chris Maxwell’s response to losing the captaincy as Blackpool ended their 14-game run without a win in the league.

Maxwell pulled off a string of fine saves to frustrate Stoke and ensure the Seasiders gave Mccarthy his first win since taking over last month.

The manager said: “Maxie was superb. I gave the captaincy to Callum Connolly for no other reason than I don’t like my goalkeepers being captain.

“I don’t think they can effect the game as much as an outfield player.

“I said to him afterwards, ‘If you play like that without the armband on, then what the bloody hell do you want the armband for!’ He’s been outstanding today. They all played well but he was different class.”

Maxwell set the tone with a first-minute save from Jacob Brown and then worked overtime to keep Stoke at bay after Ian Poveda had given the Seasiders a seventh-minute lead with a deflected shot.

Maxwell twice saved from Will Smallbone in the first half but reserved his best effort for the second period when he stopped a close-range effort from Tyrese Campbell.

Ben Wilmot and Josh Laurent also went close as Stoke dominated but lacked a cutting edge.

The win lifts Blackpool off the bottom of the Championship on goal difference and was a huge relief for Mccarthy, who added: “I’m a bit emotional because that’s my first win for a long time.”

Stoke boss Alex Neil said: “We had ample chances to get a goal. That would have changed the dynamic as they were fearful of losing after taking the lead.” BLACKPOOL: Maxwell 9; Lyons 6 (Gabriel (63) 6), Connolly 7, Nelson 7, Husband 7; Dougall 6, Fiorini 5 (Hamilton (46) 5); Poveda 6 (D Thompson (64) 5), Carey 6, Rogers 6 (Garbutt (64) 5); Yates 6 STOKE: Sarkic 6; Sterling 6 (Hoever (70) 5), Jagielka 7, Wilmot 7, Fox 6; Laurent 8, J Thompson 7 (Lowe (90) 5), Brown 7, Smallbone 8, Campbell 6; Gayle 6 (Baker (70) 5) STAR MAN: Chris Maxwell – The Blackpool No.1 kept Stoke at bay with several fine saves.

Matt Donohue 8