Blackpool suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Leyton Orient on Saturday, extending their winless run in League One to six matches. Goals from William Forrester and Dane Scarlett secured the points for the hosts at Brisbane Road. This latest result means Blackpool's recent form over the last five games stands at zero wins, one draw and four losses, having lost their last two matches consecutively.
Will Forrester opened the scoring in the 31st minute, heading home a cross from Alex Gilbert. Blackpool had appeals for a penalty turned down earlier when Josh Bowler went down under a challenge from Alfie Gilchrist. Bowler then missed a clear chance to equalise on the hour mark, skewing his shot wide. The game was settled 14 minutes from time when Idris El Mizouni's shot struck the hand of Oliver Casey, and Dane Scarlett converted the resulting penalty.
Evatt's side dominated possession with 62 percent of the ball and created 16 shots to Orient's 14, but only four were on target. "The scoreline was harsh on Blackpool," one report noted, "who have now picked up just one point in their last six league games." Forrester, who also made a key clearance off his own line from a Zac Ashworth header, said his performance had "an impact at both ends of the pitch." Blackpool made four substitutions in the second half, introducing Leighton Clarkson, Dale Taylor, Dion Charles and Ilmari Niskanen, but could not find a way back. Three players, Josh Bowler, Zachary Ashworth and Finley Munroe, were shown yellow cards during the match.
League context
Their recent form reads LLDLL, with just one point taken from the last 15 available. They now sit 11 points behind leaders Plymouth Argyle. Across the season, the team has scored 13 goals but conceded 14, leaving them with a negative goal difference of one. This defeat followed a 1-0 loss at Cambridge United on Saturday 10 October and a 2-2 home draw with Crewe on Tuesday 6 October, preceded by a 3-2 defeat at Wigan on Tuesday 22 September.
The team must now regroup quickly for a vital home fixture against Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday night. MK Dons are currently 23rd in the table, making it a key match at the bottom. The game at Bloomfield Road kicks off at 19:45.
