Blackpool 4-3 Bolton: Cool, I guess.

With the longest active losing streak in the Premier League at three games, Bolton have the potential to end their last five matches of the year with absolutely zero points to show for it. Blackpool need the full three points from a big win in order to have any shout of staying in the top flight for another year. The Bolton line-up only saw one major change from what we have been used to seeing in the past few weeks with Johan Elmander nowhere to be found.

It was the Bolton skipper, Kevin Davies, who would break the deadlock as he had other ideas about the Wanderers going home empty-handed. The Bolton free kick sailed into the box in the 6th minute and as the Tangerines failed to clear, Davo got it on the half volley and into the back of the net past the goalkeeper Gilks. The goal was SKD’s first since New Year’s. Blackpool were desperate to stay up and it was DJ Campbell who would play spoiler and level the match. Gary Taylor-Fletcher’s headed flick found Campbell past the Bolton back four and looped it over Jaaskelainen. 1-1.

Blackpool would then add a second through Jason Puncheon in the 19th minute as he evaded a couple of tackles at the top of the box, Robin van Persie style, and curled the ball into the net. It was our turn to equalize and it came through Matty Taylor. His shot from inside the box was low, hard, and to the far post. Gilks got an outstretched hand on the ball but the effort was just too much. 2-2. Then, right on the brink of halftime, DJ Campbell got on the end of a Charlie Adam free kick and his deft little touch was enough to put it wide of Jussi. 3-2 at the break.

Daniel Sturridge came up big again as he leveled the score for the Wanderers once more but it was Chungy who deserved all of the applause on the play. Running down the right wing, Lee drew Gilks out of his net with the keeper committing to the slide early. Rather than trying to play it in right away, Chungy let the ball run for an extra step past Gilks and played it across the face of goal for Sturridge to just tap it in with his face. 3-3.

That wasn’t the end of it as Charlie Adam just had to be the man to break Bolton hearts. A defensive lapse on the right side of the field (as was the case for much of the game, thanks Gretar) saw Gary Taylor-Fletcher in alone. He easily played the ball to Charlie Adam who powered it home. 4-3 and the winner.

Bolton would once again go empty-handed on the road with the losing streak extended to four games. A top half finish this season is still possible although it will be difficult as Manchester City will visit the Reebok to end what has been a spectacular year in the Premier League.

Category: Team News