SILVA FUMES, BUT HATS OFF TO BOWLER
MARCO Silva hit out at his Fulham side after their poor second half display handed Blackpool a chance to secure a point.
Aleksandar Mitrovic struck his 28th league goal of the season in the sixth minute shortly before the game was halted for 41 minutes while a supporter received medical treatment.
But Fulham were unable to hold on to the lead with Blackpool working their way back to level when Josh Bowler fired home in the 56th minute.
Fulham boss Silva said: “It was a disappointing result. We started brilliantly, in the first 11 minutes.
“We scored a really good goal and had great chances to score the second.
“Then, unfortunately, we had the break — and it was a really serious situation, so all our thoughts are with our friend.
“We were too slow in the second half and when you play slowly you give some belief to the opposition.”
Silva’s side had scored 22 goals in their previous four games and it was clear they were brimming with confidence from the way they took control of the game.
It didn’t take the Cottagers long to find a way through the visitors’ defences and establish the lead.
Neeskens Kebano and Fabio Carvalho created the opening with a well worked passing move before Mitrovic was given the simple job of finishing from close range from Carvalho’s cross.
Blackpool held firm until referee Peter Bankes halted play in the 13th minute.
Both teams left the field of play while the supporter received treatment in the stand before being transferred to hospital.
When play did resume, Blackpool were able to establish more of a foothold in the game.
Fulham keeper Marek Rodak was forced to dive full length to keep out Callum Connolly’s 27th free-kick. And Seasiders midfielder Bowler was unlucky to see a left-foot strike the bar. But Fulham continued to test Blackpool keeper Daniel Grimshaw, who did well to deny Mitrovic’s follow up after Tom Cairney’s header from outside the penalty had hit a post.
The visitors showed more purpose after the break and began to apply pressure on Rodak’s goal. The Fulham keeper was forced to save well from Jordan Gabriel’s shot but had little chance of preventing Bowler’s 56th minute equaliser.
The opening came after a misplaced pass from home centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo was picked up by CJ Hamilton, who surged forward before finding Bowler who finished with a first time shot from 16 yards out.
Blackpool boss Neil Critchley hopes Bowler – who has atshot tracted interest from Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest – remains a part of his squad.
“I thought he was outstanding,” said Critchley. “You could see the respect they had for him. He nearly scored in the first half, good finish for the goal.
“He’s been brilliant for us. Let’s see what happens. We know his worth.”