Blackpool match is a ‘free hit’ for former England keeper

Blackpool’s match with Solihull Moors is a ‘free hit’ for the non-league side, according to their manager Tim Flowers.

The former Blackburn and England keeper is now manager of the National League side and he admits his side face an uphill battle to something from the game.

They host Terry McPhillips League One side at Damson Park tonight with the game being televised live on BBC Two (7.55pm kick off).

“It a free hit for us, a little bit,” claimed the former Premier League stopper. “They’re a fantastic League One team, up there near the play-offs and it will be a good crowd. For our lads, it’s why they’re in the game.”

“This isn’t a particularly hospitable place for teams to come in terms of on the field of play. Off the field, it’s a fantastic place to come and watch football. We want to make it as difficult as we can for Blackpool, so we’ll be giving it a real go.”

The Moors are sixth in the fifth tier, hunting a play off place and a possible spot in the Football League. They’ve lost just one of their last 12 fixtures and beat Hitchin to earn their place in the second round.

Tangerines fans will do well to keep an eye on Adi Yussuf, the centre forward has seven goals this season, as does fellow forward Danny Wright.

Our View

This will be a tough match for Blackpool, make no mistake about it. Non League sides raise their game for the TV cameras and Solihull are in superb form too.

Tim Flowers knows all about the FA Cup having played at a good level himself for so long and he’ll be confident of getting something, even if his pre-match interview suggests otherwise.