Dave Challinor ‘delighted’ as Stockport hold on for victory over Blackpool

Dave Challinor was overjoyed after his Stockport side held on to record a 1-0 League One win at home to struggling Blackpool.

Kyle Wootton and Nathan Lowe both missed headers from close range in a first half where the home side dominated but failed to find a breakthrough.

Stockport sustained their pressure in the second period and broke the deadlock when Corey O’Keeffe climbed above his marker at a corner and headed across the goal for Joseph Olowu to glance home.

Blackpool peppered the Stockport box with crosses as they went in search of a late equaliser, but failed to create any clear-cut chances as the hosts side held on to win.

Challinor was content with his side’s performance, but stressed they must be more clinical to launch a promotion bid.

“I am delighted with the result, but I would have liked it to be a lot more comfortable,” he said.

“The other night it came up on the TV that we have lost 11 points from winning positions this season, so I am happy that we managed to hold on today.

“I would have loved for us to kill the game in the first half and win much more easily, but it gives us something to work on.

“Again, today we created lots of great chances but our finishing has let us down.

“Set-pieces should be something we can rely on to score a goal but we have scored five and conceded seven this season.

“It is an area we work hard on and need to be better at. We have a great delivery and people who are strong in the air attacking the ball, so hopefully, we will create more opportunities like the one that fell for Joe (Olowu).

“I am delighted that his goal has given us the three points.”

Stephen Dobbie took the reins as Blackpool caretaker manager for the first time since Steve Bruce’s dismissal and was delighted with the effort his players put in during the second half.

He said: “The character of the lads was unbelievable, we began to play really well as the game went on.

“I think coming to a place like Stockport – who are flying high – you know you are going to have to sit back and defend your box.

“I thought Oliver (Casey) and Michael (Ihiekwe) were phenomenal all game. They won every header and fought in their duels.

“As the first half went on, we pushed the wingers higher and tried to press higher up the pitch, which forced them back and contained them a bit before half-time.

“In the second half, the boys were fantastic. They gave everything, just that last little bit of end product is something we need to work on.

“We need to show a little bit more composure, technique and need to be better in our timing of runs instead of rushing the box for crosses – that is the aim for our upcoming games.”