Blackpool manager Steve Bruce is hoping his side can emulate the second half performance from Good Friday’s win over Stevenage when they host Wrexham this afternoon.
The Seasiders are clinging on to their slim play-off hopes, where they currently sit six points behind sixth-placed Leyton Orient. However, they do possess a game in hand on all of the teams above them that are hoping to extend their season.
Bruce has sparked an excellent turnaround at Bloomfield Road since taking the job in September. Although results didn’t immediately improve, they have lost just three times since the turn of the year.
The last of those was perhaps the biggest blow of all. They were defeated by a Rotherham United side short on confidence at the beginning of the month, which has left them playing catch up. However, they recovered against Stevenage when a second half hat trick from Rob Apter secured a 3-1 win.
Bruce Keen To Build On Latest Three Points
Blackpool welcome Wrexham to Lancashire this afternoon, with the Red Dragons holding promotion ambitions of their own. They lost ground on Friday though with a shock 1-1 draw against Bristol Rovers, their second stalemate in succession. This has allowed Wycombe Wanderers to move back into second with just three games remaining.
With so much riding on this fixture, Bruce is hoping his side can dig deep, just as they did at the Lamex Stadium. Speaking to BBC Lancashire, he said:
“That’s the beauty of playing at Easter in the EFL, isn’t it? They come around quick.
“We’re playing against a team who have got themselves in a wonderful position, all to play for for them and we’ve still got something left, so it’s nice to play against the top teams.
“I’m sure it will be a great atmosphere in the stadium, let’s hope we can play like we did second half down at Stevenage, and see how we get on.
“They’re a good side with a bit of resilience about them, so we know what’s coming – it should be a fantastic game.”
Writer’s View
It’s becoming a fascinating promotion race, both in the automatic and play-off positions. Blackpool appear to be outsiders but that game in hand could be crucial. They need three points here first of all though, which could also have huge implications on Wrexham’s season. Wycombe also have a tough fixture when they host Charlton Athletic, who can still sneak into the top two themselves.
