Player Ratings: Blackpool 2-2 Luton Town

Matt Bloomfield’s side came book from two goals down to rescue a point at Bloomfield Road against a struggling Blackpool on Tuesday evening despite a poor performance.

There was an air of optimism as Luton travelled to the bright lights of Blackpool off the back of Saturday’s victory against Doncaster, but that was soon snuffed out when the Seasiders took the lead at Bloomfield Road less than ten minutes after kickoff when Josh Keeley was beaten by a CJ Hamilton shot which he should have saved, and that optimism did not show signs of returning until the 78th minute.

CJ Hamilton scored twice for the hosts, adding to his early goal shortly after half-time. Luton showed very little in the first half aside from a Lamine Fanne effort which was easily stopped. Bloomfield’s side were poor in possession, sending long balls forward to be hopelessly chased by Nahki Wells against a solid defensive unit.

Second half changes, including Lasse Nordas, Jake Richards and Jordan Clark looked to change the momentum somewhat and it was Clark who got Luton back into the game with a deflected effort that beat a helpless Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Efforts to find an equaliser late on looked to be coming to nothing until second-half substitute, Gideon Kodua was brought down in the box and was awarded a penalty. The West Ham loanee subsequently put the penalty away to level the score in stoppage time

Jordan Clark scores on his return from a brief injury. Photo Credit: George Dunn/Luton Town FC

Despite coming back from 2-0 down, it was a poor performance from Matt Bloomfield’s side and they were fortunate to get a point from a game which Blackpool did not take advantage of. The pressure remains on Bloomfield from a supporters’ perspective ahead of Saturday’s trip to high-flying Stevenage, a game which their fans are viewing as a derby and will be desperate to get something from.

Jordan Clark and Lasse Nordås’ second half cameos were the standout performances from a Luton perspective, whilst fellow substitute Kodua also showed positive signs and all three will be contenders to start on Saturday. Milli Alli put in another poor performance after struggling against Doncaster.

Player Ratings

Josh Keeley - 5

Beaten by a poor effort for the first Blackpool goal, but recovered well and was rarely tested after the second goal.

Christ Makosso - 5

Struggled against direct wide play and looked uncomfortable defending against pace.

Mads Andersen - 6

Didn’t do much noticeably wrong but looked slow on occasion when players ran at him.

Kal Naismith - 6

Poor passes which were easily cut out by Blackpool, but was rarely tested one on one.

Cohen Bramall - 7

Good recovery speed to win the ball back high and direct going forward. The best offensive performance from the starting players and would have benefited from a better performance from the wide players in front of him.

Photo credit: George Dunn/Luton Town FC

Shayden Morris - 5

Struggled to get into the game and was marked very effectively by Hayden Coulson.

Lamine Fanne - 5

Failed to back up a very good performance against Doncaster. Had the best chance of the first half but looked unconfident in front of goal.

George Saville - 7

Saville should be the first name on the team sheet for Matt Bloomfield. Rarely puts a foot wrong and is consistently aggressive out of possession and composed on the ball.

Millenic Alli - 3

Alli looks unconfident and is rarely looking to beat his man. When he does manage to, his final ball is very poor. Needs some time on the bench to recover form and confidence.

Zack Nelson - 5

Struggled to get into the game, however his passing was relatively successful. Continues to grow and will benefit from regular minutes.

Nahki Wells - 4

Not a game for Wells and was not helped by constant overhit long balls against a physical defensive unit.

Subs

Jordan Clark - 7

Clark continues to set the standard for those around him and was forward-thinking and willing to have efforts at goal when he came on. Has to start when fit.

Gideon Kodua - 7

Looked confident on the ball and was looking for possession at every opportunity. Very composed from the penalty spot.

Gideon Kodua celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot. Photo credit: George Dunn/Luton Town FC

Joe Gbode - 5

Did not threaten the Blackpool goal and the compact game did not suit his expansive style of play.

Jake Richards - 6

Worked hard when he came on and is benefiting from more minutes with other midfield options unavailable.

Lasse Nordås - 7

His physical presence was a constant threat late in the game and suited Luton’s direct play and deliveries into a busy penalty area.