Andy Munro watches Blues beat Blackpool in the FA Cup.
Since Steve Bruce took over at Blackpool the Seasiders have been in decent form so this could have been a massive banana skin. However, Blues started off sharply and it was good to see Lyndon Dykes netting, which will do his confidence the world of good.
Blues were well in control and it was no surprise when they extended the lead, pleasingly for most Blues fans, through the Juke who was on hand to convert from close range in Johnny on the spot style.
Despite so many players being rested both Marc Leonard and Luke Harris did well keeping things moving in the engine room whilst Bailey Peacock-Farrell turned in a sound performance between the sticks. At the back Taylor Gardman had an excellent game, as did Ethan Laird, with the latter winning a tough duel with the opposition winger.
If there is a concern in defence, it is the lack of pace down the centre with both Krystian Bielik and Dion Sanderson caught flat-footed on a couple of occasions. Whilst both David Davis and Christoph Klarer were missing, they also suffer the same issues.
Up top, it was almost a complete tactical reversal to see two big target men compared with the usual Alfie May/Jay Stansfield combo but neither Lyndon Dykes nor the Juke did their chances any harm.
Finally, it was good to see Keshi Anderson get a good reception from the fans at his old club when he replaced a slightly underwhelming Ayumu Yokoyama, who still flatters to deceive on occasions.
Let’s hope that we get a plum home draw in the next round even if the FA Cup is hardly a top priority. Perhaps home to Liverpool or the Villa would be a nice way of testing our mettle!
