Reds see off the seasiders

That's another step towards safety then. And it was a lot more straightforward than I thought it would be really against a usually decent Blackpool side.

It was an early one yesterday morning for me, as I had to run the missus round to her dads nice and early so they could get on their way to Reading for the Wendy game. Yep, they made that long old trip and are feeling thoroughly miserable today and now she's refusing to look at the league table, or watch any of the highlights. In that position, I usually prefer to just get on with it; have a look, take it on the chin and then move on to the next game, but whatever works for her.

We got into the pub just in time on Saturday to see Wayne Bridge perform his incredible dummy and dodge the waiting, outstretched hand of John Terry. That was a classic moment wasn't it? I would have done exactly the same to him as well, it was perfectly executed. Some people may say it's childish, but I can't imagine I'd have been in any mood for niceties either after going though what he has the last few weeks. The pub was packed out, and we ended up talking to a couple of lads in tangerine. Their first question was whether Adam Hammill has learned to cross yet, and we responded with how much we'd rather have Hammill than Charlie Adam. I don't think they believed us, although I didn't believe myself either. They also indicated that Blackpool owe us one after our win at Bloomfield Road earlier in the season, so revenge was on the cards. We told them about our experience of being at the seaside earlier in the season, where we struggled to find a decent pint anywhere, and they gave us a recommendation for next time, assuming that both of our teams remain in the same division of course. They were a good crack and after we'd shook hands and wished them luck for the remainder of the campaign it was off to the bookies for a quick flutter.

The bet yesterday was an accumulator on every Championship fixture, ours included. We managed to get 9 out of the 12, although typically Barnsley let us down by not drawing the game. Do we ever draw anymore?? Not that I'm complaining when we're winning, but it's been a while. We'd have made more than a million pounds on that yesterday, but us, Preston and Derby let us down so there we go. We'll have another go next weekend, and see where it gets us.

Anyway, the game wasn't great to watch, and both teams were average, but the points went the right way for me. Blackpool were very, very lacklustre, and we never really looked like conceding, which is a novelty against our usually shaky back line. Shotton played well after winning his place back in the side, following his 4 game ban. Hume was impressive after he came on too, and took his goal very well. He also showed a lot of urgency in trying to win the ball, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him starting next week. The atmosphere was very subdued in the ground from both sets of fans, although the teams on the pitch didn't give the fans much to sing about. Yet again, we were a much better outfit in the second half, and for that reason I think we shaded it.

The Man of the Match went to Doyle, and I think that, yet again, that was a decent shout. I've been so impressed with him since he signed for us, and he only seems to be getting better every week. Again, I thought he controlled the midfield for us, and handled the difficult task of keeping Charlie Adam out of the game very well. Robins said it was Adams poorest game of the season, which is probably true, although we stifled him really well. Overall, it was a hard working display, not a classic by any stretch but another important 3 points.

Afterwards, following a couple more pints in the boozer, it was time to jump on the train home, with the warm feeling of being just outside the playoffs in my stomach. In terms of the match, we were never challenged in the way I thought we would be, and I was disappointed with the away side, but, nonetheless, you can only beat what's in front of you, and credit to the lads for doing that.

Next week is a freebie for us now. We're not expected to get anything at Newcastle, so we can go there with no pressure on us and hopefully snatch something away from the league leaders. I'm buzzing about it already, it's going to be a great day out.

Thanks for reading.