Jolly Ollie is Swan to watch
..................... 0
SWANSEA ....................... 1 Ntcham 87
By
FLYING goal ace Olivier Ntcham hit a late winner to give the Swans lift-off at last – and just before the Red Arrows did a ‘victory’ fly past.
At times it was hard to beat the drama overhead as Spitfires and Lancaster Bombers flew by for the Blackpool Air Show.
But super sub Ntcham sent the 1,500 travelling Welsh fans high into their own seventh heaven with his own bullseye.
Full marks to the non-stop efforts of Michael Obafemi, who broke away with Ntcham to leave Blackpool keeper Dan Grimshaw completely exposed.
He drew Grimshaw out, slipped the ball to Ntcham alongside him, and the one-time Manchester City and Celtic midfielder made no mistake as he found the net.
Swans boss Russell Martin said: “It was a big moment for Obafemi. He hasn’t scored yet and it would have been understandable if he had gone for it himself. But he was unselfish and you have to give him full marks for that.”
The Seasiders managed to crash land their hopes of a win when they missed a second-half penalty, and then an absolute sitter a minute later.
Swansea’s Harry Darling felled Kenny Dougall but Jerry Yates’ spot-kick was saved by keeper Andy Fisher at full stretch.
When play resumed, Sonny Carey hoofed over.
Blackpool boss Michael Appleton said: “We are messy in the first half, but outstanding after the break, then missed a penalty. These things happen.”
BLACKPOOL: Grimshaw 6; Connolly 6, Ekpiteta 5, Williams 6, Thompson 6; Fiorini 5, Dougall 6, Carey 6 (Patino (78) 5), Bowler 6 (Hamilton (88) 5), Yates 5, Corbeanu 5 (Lavery (46) 6)
SWANSEA: Fisher 6; Latibeaudiere 6, Cabango 7, Darling 7, Naughton 7 (Cullen (88) 5),
Sorinola 6 (Congreve (78) 5), Grimes 6, Fulton 5 (Ntcham (62) 6), Manning 7, Obifemi 8, Piroe 5 (Allen (88) 5)
STAR MAN: Michael Obafemi – The Swans’ non-stop striker missed some but selflessly supplied the pass for the winner.
REF: Andy Woolmer 7