By David Bateman,
Blackpool moved into 4th place in the Premier League yesterday with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United, courtesy of goals from Charlie Adam and DJ Campbell.
Adam, Blackpool’s captain, was in particularly excellent form, threading passes over and through the Newcastle defence all afternoon. His goal came via a penalty, awarded after Alan Smith poorly challenged Luke Varney. He also played a large role in his sides’ second goal, breaking away at pace before passing to DJ Campbell, who brought the ball under control before stroking the ball into the bottom corner with a great left foot shot.
The biggest bane of Newcastle, however, was Blackpool’s goalkeeper Matthew Gilks. The shot-stopper was in mesmeric form, making several instant reaction saves to deny close range efforts from Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton. Although their finishes were not off the highest standard, Gilks still deserves a lot of credit for denying them time and again.
As has been in the case in every one of their matches this season, Newcastle showed glimpses of great potential. Going forward they were dangerous, but simply couldn’t capitalise on the opportunities they created. Andy Carroll dominated the aerial battle as he usually does; Kevin Nolan made surging runs as he usually does; and Joey Barton caused havoc with his delivery from free-kicks as usual, but sadly another regular occurrence also happened- their defence was poor. For the majority of the game, they were tight and gave the opposition very little to work with. But slight lapses in concentration cost them dearly again.
Their next fixture will be no easier, as they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton.
