Blackpool manager Steve Bruce confessed he is unlikely to dip into the free-agent market after his side registered their fourth consecutive league win, beating Burton Albion 3-0.
Bruce made history as the first Blackpool manager to win all four of his opening league games in charge, with the Seasiders cruising to victory at Bloomfield Road. Blackpool dominated the encounter, and goals from Odel Offiah, Rob Apter, and Lee Evans secured a comprehensive win, lifting the club to fourth in Sky Bet League One.
The hosts began the match on the front foot, controlling possession and testing Burton’s defence early on. Blackpool’s first major chance came in the 11th minute when CJ Hamilton’s run down the left set up Evans for a shot, but the midfielder blasted his effort over the bar.
Burton showed signs of life after a slow start and had their first opportunity in the 17th minute. A cross from Elliot Watt found Ryan Sweeney at the back post, but the defender’s volley hit the side netting. Just a minute later, Blackpool took the lead. A pinpoint free-kick from Evans found new signing Odel Offiah, who headed home his first goal in Tangerine.
After taking the lead, Blackpool gained momentum, with Morgan having a deflected shot that went just wide. Rob Apter was a constant threat down the wing, and his delivery to Jordan Gabriel nearly resulted in a second, but Burton goalkeeper Max Crocombe made a vital save. Burton should have equalized in the 35th minute when a rebound off Harry Tyrer’s save fell to Danilo Orsi, but the striker missed an open goal, heading over from close range.
Five minutes into the second half, Rob Apter doubled Blackpool’s advantage with a brilliant solo goal. The youngster weaved through two defenders before calmly slotting the ball past Crocombe. Burton nearly responded immediately, but Jake Cooper-Love’s powerful strike was tipped over the bar by Tyrer.
Blackpool continued to dominate after Apter’s goal, with Hamilton coming close to adding a third after cutting inside and forcing another save from Crocombe. Lee Evans wrapped up the win in the 75th minute, finishing off a move by firing in off the post after being set up by substitute Ashley Fletcher.
Burton had a couple of chances late on, but Tyrer’s heroics in goal ensured Blackpool’s clean sheet remained intact, as the Seasiders celebrated another impressive victory.
After the win, Bruce affirmed that he felt his side had enough quality without having to dip into the transfer market.
“Of course, you’ll look, but I’m a big believer in doing your homework on people,” Bruce explained to the Blackpool Gazette. “We’re doing okay at the moment, and if someone can improve us, then great, but if there isn’t, let’s be patient. The January transfer window is three months away.
“I’m very pleased with the squad we’ve got, so I’m not in any big rush, and we won’t just panic buy. There’s no need to panic; we’ve got a fit and healthy squad.”
Bruce’s measured approach to transfers suggests that Blackpool will take their time in identifying the right players to strengthen their squad, rather than rushing into short-term signings.
Next up for the Tangerines are Lincoln City, who themselves broke a record this weekend, avoiding defeat for the 13th time on the road. Indeed, the last time Michael Skubala’s Imps were defeated, it was at Bloomfield Road, on New Year’s Day.
Writer’s View
This latest win shows that Blackpool are not only in a rich vein of form but are also playing with a swagger that suggests they could challenge at the top of League One. Bruce’s impact has been immediate, with the Seasiders looking organised at the back and lethal going forward. Players like Apter and Offiah are stepping up, while the experience of Lee Evans is helping to control games in midfield. If they can maintain this momentum, a promotion push is definitely on the cards.
Bruce’s calmness about the transfer market reflects the confidence he has in his current squad. With no urgent need to add players, Blackpool have the luxury of building on their existing strengths. The January window could provide an opportunity to add depth, but for now, the focus will be on maintaining their form and keeping key players fit as they navigate the busy months ahead.
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