Blackpool could not take advantage of their dominance as they were held to a third successive draw at Bloomfield Road

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Neil Critchley’s side were well in control throughout the game, but their lack of cutting edge and a top drawer defensive performance from James Hill kept the score level.

Blackpool will be disappointed not to have come away from Bloomfield Road with a victory under their belt after they could not capitalise on a string of clear cut chances in a dominant display against near neighbours Fleetwood.

Jerry Yates saw his diving header from mere yards out well saved by Alex Cairns in the visitors goal before a storming start to the second half saw Ellis Simms go close, before CJ Hamilton hit the post from close range.

Simon Grayson’s Reds had their moments with Kyle Vassell proving a handful for the Blackpool backline and a solid option to hold up the ball in order to push his side further up the pitch, but they never really gained a foothold in an attacking sense.

Grayson has definitely improved Fleetwood in an organisational sense and their midfield in particular were first to every second ball whenever the game descended into a more physical battle, but Blackpool did well to stay clear of allowing the game to turn into that.

Critchley knows that his side thrive when they press at the right moments and look to intercept in between the passing lines rather than going in for physical tackles and Kenny Dougall and Kevin Stewart made that job a lot simpler.

Aside from the evident control of proceedings from Blackpool, what really caught the eye for many was the performance of Oliver Turton at right back.

Jordan Gabriel and Turton have both had their chances to prove themselves in the starting lineup and every time they are called upon they seem to step up and take their opportunity.

One thing that has been a concern with Turton when he has played previously is his quite one-dimensional approach to build up play, tending to launch direct balls over the top trying to find CJ Hamilton.

Yet, in this game he seemed to have approached things differently.

There was an adaptability to his play and an openness to picking out different options depending on the scenario. His link up and understanding with Hamilton and latterly Matty Virtue when he replaced Stewart, enabled him to push higher and become more of an attacking threat than he has been in the past.

Now, it helped that Fleetwood sat deeper heading into the second half and Danny Andrew is already a defensively-minded wing back, but Turton pinned the Fleetwood man back for the entire game.

He showcased his defensive exploits when required as well with a couple of last ditch tackles denying a goal scoring opportunity for Vassell.

As much as those tackles were vital, whenever a last ditch tackle is required it is important to analyse how it came about in the first place and in that instance, Turton had misjudged his defensive press and opened up the gap for Fleetwood to exploit, which is easily done in such an intense system and he will learn from it.

Jordan Gabriel offers more for Blackpool than Oliver Turton does but rather than making it a competition between the two, it is better to simply appreciate having two players of that calibre fighting it out in a League One side.

Neither have done much wrong since wearing a Tangerine shirt.

Ellis Simms was another that has come into question in recent weeks, with the spotlight shining on him whilst Gary Madine recovers from injury.

There is a lot of pressure on Simms’ shoulders to produce at the tail end of the season if Blackpool are to make the playoffs, but it is worth remembering that the Everton loanee is 20 years old and has only played nine professional football matches.

In terms of experience in the professional game Simms has a long way to go and a lot to learn.

It is starting to become apparent that Blackpool are trying to mould him into something he is not.

He works extremely hard both on and off the ball but he has not offered the physicality or hold up play required of a target man, because he is not one.

Simms works best running in behind and being an instinctive finisher, it is what made him standout in the Everton youth ranks and why he is highly rated at Goodison Park.

It may well be the case that Simms becomes that physical, imposing striker in time but unfortunately for Blackpool that is not going to happen in the space of three months.

That is why he should just be used for what his strengths are, he would be an ideal substitute to bring on when a game is stretched and the Seasiders are looking for a winner.

Blackpool have been very unlucky to lose Madine at such a pivotal point in the campaign and Simms has had big boots to fill, no one can question his effort to take on that mantle.

Whilst goals are a concern going forward, it is yet again another unbeaten game at Bloomfield Road and with five points out of a possible nine in the past week, that points per game average will see them in and around the playoff mix.

Neil Critchley will be frustrated not to win this one, but ultimately the control and composure his side showed in every other aspect of their game evidences that they are right up their as one of the best sides in the division.

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