Holloway praises Blackpool defence

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway labelled the 1-0 win at Stoke City as their best defensive performance of the season.

The promoted side came away from the Britannia Stadium with all three points thanks to a DJ Campbell strike early in the second half.

While Stoke certainly had their chances to level, Holloway was delighted with the efforts of his players – particularly at the back.

“I can’t say how proud I am of my lads, especially coming to such a tough place as this,” Holloway said.

“I thought we rode our luck a little bit, our keeper was exceptional and they hit the bar a couple of times, but that is as good as we have been really, defensively.”

“We stood up to be counted; they played well but we just about won. That’s what I like about this game at the moment, because you might not play well and get lucky.”

“We have beaten Stoke who are in a good run of form. We have come here on a good day for Stoke and managed to nick all three points.”

Acknowledging that Blackpool are often better served by going on the offensive than trying to close out games, Holloway remarked on the mutual decision not to pull all of the team back when defending set pieces.

“I have asked my lads before the game: ‘Should we leave three up for corners?’ We were going to do that and they want me to be positive. We have had some big performances out there today.”

Stoke manager Tony Pulis was unable to believe his team’s inability to convert at least one of their numerous opportunities to score.

“Since we got promoted I’ve never known us have so many chances,” Pulis said.

“I think the first five corners today we won and they either cleared it or it hit somebody else on the back of the head.”

“We have had a goal disallowed, we have hit the woodwork three times and we have had people getting in the way of each other. It’s been one of those days.”

“Sometimes you just have to take it on the chin.”