Blackpool vs Bournemouth match report: Seasiders rocked as Cherries hit six
Blackpool 1 Bournemouth 6
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Your support makes all the difference.They both have a beach but for the football clubs of Blackpool and Bournemouth that is where the similarities end. Bournemouth sit a point clear at the top of the Championship, Blackpool four points adrift at the bottom.
The gulf looked even bigger. Bournemouth, in their highest ever position at Christmas, are dreaming of the top flight, where Blackpool’s brief appearance now seems so long ago.
Eddie Howe’s side are playing with a swagger and this crushing win was another big statement from a team who have already won 8‑0 at Birmingham.
“I don’t think we expected to be where we are” Howe said. “The performances aren’t surprising me but maybe how quickly the team has developed.”
Matt Ritchie gave Howe’s side the lead with a shot that bobbled over goalkeeper Joe Lewis and by half-time Callum Wilson had added a deserved second.
The sight of Nyron Nosworthy lying stricken with a groin injury moments before Ritchie curled in a superb third seemed to sum up Blackpool’s plight. Nosworthy was a free agent – along with Chris Eagles and Jamie O’Hara – picked up by Lee Clark in an attempt to strengthen Blackpool.
Yet, despite a four-game unbeaten run before yesterday, the home fans voiced their anger at the chairman Karl Oyston long before the end.
Clark admitted it was a “horrendous day” and apologised to the supporters.
Although substitute Nathan Delfouneso pulled a goal back, Brett Pitman (left) responded with a penalty moments later before Pugh’s header and Harry Arter’s shot gilded the Bournemouth lily. Those small steps could take them far.
Blackpool: (4-1-4-1) Lewis; Foley, Nosworthy (O’Dea 60), Clarke, Kennedy; McMahon; Eagles (Delfouneso 46), O’Hara, Perkins, O’Keefe (Murphy 46); Davies.
Bournemouth: (4-2-3-1) Boruc; Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels; Arter, Surman; Ritchie, Pitman (Kermogant 70), Pugh (Smith 78); Wilson (Gosling 74).
Referee: Andy Madley.
Match rating: 7/10
Man of match: Pugh (Bournemouth)
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