Three highs and two lows from Blackpool's victory over Northampton as Pennington's persistence pays off and Ekpiteta is denied

After watching Marvin Ekpiteta get denied by millimetres during the first half, Matthew Pennington ensured his shot found the back of the net following the restart, with the centre back’s goal proving to be the difference.

Prior to the game at Sixfields, Neil Critchley’s side had failed to win a midweek league game on the road this season, but will now be hoping to build on a vital three points after overtaking Oxford United in seventh, following a heavy defeat for the U’s away to Bolton Wanderers.

Pennington’s persistence

Pennington played a major role for the Seasiders at both ends of the pitch. At the back he looked assured, winning a number of battles, and really looking settled alongside his colleagues in the three- who were equally as impressive.

Alongside his good defensive work, the ex-Everton youngster claimed the deciding goal, and showed plenty of desire to get it. A free kick into the box from Karamoko Dembele caused absolute mayhem for Northampton, with a number of Blackpool players having a stab at the ball before it eventually went in.

Pennington just seemed to want it more than anyone else, and certainly got his reward for being persistent in the opposition box.

Agonisingly close

Prior to their second half goal, the Seasiders believed they should’ve been ahead before the half an hour mark. Following a dangerous corner routine, Ekpiteta fired a shot against the frame of the goal, with the ball dropping down.

It looked as if it was very close to crossing the line, but the linesman deemed it to be short. From a Blackpool perspective it was an agonisingly close call, as there wasn’t much in it at all.

From the replay it looked as if it should’ve been a goal, but saying that there’s also nothing conclusive to suggest it had fully gone over. Fortunately it didn’t impact the final result.

Keeping the opposition quiet

A reason why Pennington’s goal was enough to claim all three points was because of the way Blackpool managed the game.

As already mentioned, the back three did a great job at keeping Northampton quiet, and just seemed to come out on top of every battle. Other players also got back well, and just made it a really difficult night for their opponents.

It was a similar story away to Shrewsbury a few weeks ago, so perhaps that Seasiders have finally mastered their away day approach.

Norburn forced off

A blow for the Critchley’s could be the potential loss of Ollie Norburn for any of the upcoming games. The midfielder was replaced by Matty Virtue in the 72nd minute after receiving treatment due to some discomfort.

Hopefully the decision to substitute the 31-year-old was just a precaution, as his absence might leave Blackpool a bit thin in midfield with Albie Morgan already missing.

Good result elsewhere

The Seasiders’ victory over Northampton sees them move up to seventh in the League One table due to a 5-0 defeat for Oxford United away to Bolton Wanderers.

Sixth place Stevenage are currently a point ahead and have two games in hand, but do have a tricky game against Peterborough this evening.