Blackpool knock Brackley out of the FA Cup in front of almost-empty stadium as disgruntled fans go AWOL
League Two outfit rode their luck as they secured narrow 1-0 win at Bloomfield Road but nobody was there to celebrate
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BLACKPOOL secured their place in the third round of the FA Cup after beating National League North side Brackley in front of an almost-empty stadium.
The League Two outfit didn’t play well at all but ensured they progressed to the next stage thanks to an early goal from Jamille Matt.
However, there was pretty much nobody in the crowd to celebrate with after just a handful of supporters turned up.
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Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston has been the target of many protests during his time in the north-west, but it appears disgruntled fans have stepped up their game by boycotting matches altogether.
Stunning snaps show a solitary supporter sitting alone in an empty terrace, with the away side easily making more noise than the hosts.
Brackley beat the odds to knock out Gillingham in the FA Cup first round and boss Kevin Wilkin insists his players should feel proud of their amazing achievements.
He said: “We’re disappointed at the end of it with the way that we played in the second half.
“To fall behind early was obviously not a great start but we grew into the game. It felt like we had most of the possession and Blackpool were playing on the counter.
“We didn’t work the goalkeeper as much as we’d have liked but we’re disappointed to have lost that game because I thought we fully deserved a replay.
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“After conceding so early away from home you’d think life would have been difficult for us. The lads have put on a good show for us today. In games like this you do need that little bit of luck at certain times. A few things haven’t really gone our way.
“We haven’t disgraced ourselves by any means; we gave a great account of ourselves and played some quality football there. I’m just a bit disappointed that we’re out and out to a bit of a soft goal early on.”
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Reflecting on the win, Blackpool boss Gary Bowyer added: “The objective at five to three was to get through and that’s what we’ve done. We started well, got the early goal and we’re delighted with that.
“It’s difficult for us today, you win and people say you expect to get through. We knew how difficult a game this would be for us. They knocked Gillingham out in the last round so we knew how difficult it would be.
“Full credit to Brackley, they were terrific. Our keeper hasn’t had much to do but they were excellent with the ball. They kept it ever so well. But the objective is to get through and we got through.
“I think it’s probably our worst performance of the season with the ball. But the character and desire to get through is what shone through in the second half. We had to dig deep, but full praise to the players because objective achieved.
“Personally, I’d love to go to Old Trafford with a team. I went to Anfield and that was a wonderful occasion for everybody. But we’d be delighted to get one of the Premier League boys home or away.”