Blackpool sealed progression from their EFL Trophy group with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest U21s at Bloomfield Road.
The result means the Seasiders advance with a game to spare after goals from Emil Hansson and Josh Bowler saw off a determined young Forest side.
What Happened and Why It Matters
The home team started brightly, finding the breakthrough inside 5 minutes when Jordan Brown threaded a pass through to Hansson, who finished calmly from a tight angle. Defender Zac Ashworth almost doubled the lead from a corner soon after, but his header flew just wide.
Forest gradually settled into rhythm and equalised before half-time through Kalum Thompson, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up between Franco Ravizzoli and Fraser Horsfall to roll into an empty net. The visitors’ confidence grew, and they hit the crossbar through Lamin Sillah as Blackpool briefly lost control of proceedings.
Victory and progression to the knockout stages secured.
🍊 #UTMP pic.twitter.com/P6wRJljBpI
— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) October 14, 2025
After the restart, Warren Joyce’s youthful side pressed for a second goal. Ravizzoli denied Thompson at close range, and Sillah was thwarted again by the keeper’s quick reactions. But the League One hosts regained momentum late on, showing the quality and experience that eventually proved decisive.
With 15 minutes to go, Bowler collected possession on the right flank, weaved past several defenders, and slotted beyond Aaron Bott to restore Blackpool’s lead. It was a moment of individual brilliance that underlined his growing importance since returning to the club.
The result confirms top-2 status in Northern Group B, giving Stephen Dobbie’s team a chance to rotate when they face Barrow later this month. For Forest, who struck the woodwork again late through substitute Fuad Smith, it was a brave performance that merited more.
Reaction, Impact, and What Comes Next
Interim boss Stephen Dobbie praised his players’ composure after the game, particularly the balance between youth and experience in a competition often used for development minutes.
“The lads showed the right mentality,” he said. “It wasn’t perfect, but we managed the game well, and moments of quality made the difference.”
Bowler’s winner capped a strong display from the winger, who continues to rediscover form following injury setbacks. The 26-year-old’s ability to turn tight games in Blackpool’s favour will be crucial as they seek stability in both league and cup competitions.
The victory also offers a morale lift amid a transitional period at Bloomfield Road. With the club between permanent managers, Dobbie’s guidance through the Trophy group stage demonstrates the depth available within the squad. Players such as Theo Upton, Spencer Knight, and Tom Bloxham also earned valuable minutes alongside senior figures like Horsfall and Hamilton.
Forest’s youngsters, meanwhile, can take encouragement despite defeat. They matched a League One opponent for large spells and created enough to win on another night. Joyce’s group will complete their campaign away at Barrow knowing a strong finish could still build valuable momentum for the winter schedule.
Blackpool’s next test in the EFL Trophy will come once knockout fixtures are drawn, while focus now turns back to League One duty. Momentum from this hard-fought win could yet prove the spark they need to rediscover consistency across all competitions.
